Hagbourne Hill Dog Field

The name's a bit of a giveaway - this is where dogs get to properly stretch their legs without a lead in sight. Hagbourne Hill Dog Field sits just outside Thatcham in Oxfordshire, and it's the sort of place that'll have your spaniel or terrier beside itself with joy. The field itself is open grassland with decent fencing all the way round, so you're not spending the visit chasing your dog across three counties. It's free to use, which is always a bonus, and there's enough space that even on a busy day it doesn't feel rammed.

Really this is for dog owners, obviously. Anyone without a four-legged companion will find themselves standing around watching other people's pets play. But if you're on holiday at Rolling Fields Glamping nearby and your dog's going stir-crazy, it's worth the short drive. The hill itself offers decent views across the surrounding countryside - nothing dramatic, but pleasant enough while you're waiting for Fido to burn off some energy.

There's no facilities to speak of - no cafe, no toilets that I could find - so come prepared. Allow an hour or so depending on how sociable your dog is. Go early on weekends if you can, before it gets busy. It's not a destination in itself, but it's a genuinely useful stop if you're basing yourself in the area with a restless pet.