Marsh Common

Just outside Hungerford, Marsh Common is one of those proper English commons that doesn't shout about itself - which is exactly why it's worth a visit. It's basically open grassland with scattered trees, the kind of place where you can actually breathe without bumping into crowds. Walkers absolutely love it here; the paths are well-trodden but never feel rammed, even at weekends.

What you get is straightforward: space to roam, a few woodland pockets to explore, and views across the Berkshire countryside that remind you why you came to this part of England in the first place. It's not dramatic or Instagram-worthy - there's no waterfall or castle in sight - but that's rather the point. Bring the kids if they can cope with an unstructured wander, though there's nothing specifically laid on for them. Dog walkers will find plenty of room to let things off the lead, and the ground stays surprisingly dry even after rain.

Allow a couple of hours if you're actually walking rather than just passing through. The common is free and accessible pretty much any time, though summer is obviously nicer than trudging through mud in February.

If you're staying at Lorne Hill Farm just three miles away, this is the sort of place to decompress after a few days of proper sightseeing elsewhere. It won't be the highlight of your holiday - that's not what it's for - but it's the kind of unpretentious afternoon that makes you remember why you came to the countryside.