Epwell Hill

You won't find Epwell Hill marked on many tourist maps, which is precisely why it's worth the drive from Banbury. It's a proper walk rather than a quick roadside stop - about 45 minutes up from the village below, and the gradient is steadier than it looks from the bottom.

Once you're up there, the views across the Oxfordshire countryside are genuinely decent. On a clear day you can see for miles in all directions - rolling fields, distant woodlines, the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people settle in this part of England. The peak itself is modest in height but the exposure makes it feel more dramatic than the numbers suggest.

It's ideal for walkers who want a proper workout without needing mountaineering skills. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the climb tedious. History enthusiasts might appreciate the sense of place - the hill has been part of the local landscape for centuries - though there's minimal interpretation on site.

The nearest campsites - Crofts Barn is barely a mile away, with Shire Camping and Aylesmore Farm within a couple of miles - make this a natural fit for a walking-focused park holiday. You could easily combine it with other walks in the area without overdoing it in a single day. Go early morning if you want to avoid others, and bring water. It's free, naturally, and open whenever you fancy the walk.