Camden Brake

Deep woodland where the Oxfordshire countryside actually feels wild - that's Camden Brake for you. The forest sits a short drive south of Faringdon, a proper working wood rather than some manicured country estate affair, with dense tree cover and enough footpaths to keep you occupied for a good hour or two without retracing your steps.

It's the sort of place that rewards wandering. You'll find yourself on narrow trails that disappear into beech and oak, the canopy thick enough that even on bright days there's a greenish half-light that feels genuinely atmospheric. Come in autumn and it's genuinely absorbing - the ground's thick with leaf litter, the light's golden, and you can actually hear yourself think.

Walkers will get the most from Camden Brake. It's not a destination for casual strollers after twenty minutes - you need to commit to an actual walk here. Kids who like exploring and spotting wildlife do well, but younger children might find it a bit relentless and muddy.

The Real Campsite is within reasonable distance, and Faringdon Grange a touch further, so it works as a morning or afternoon excursion during a park-based holiday in the area. Fair warning: facilities are minimal, so come prepared with water and decent boots. The ground can be boggy in places. There's no entrance fee that we could find, making it a genuinely free afternoon out - increasingly rare these days. Go midweek if you value peace and quiet.