New Barn Covert

A thick belt of woodland just outside Wantage that feels properly removed from the everyday, even though you're barely a few miles from town. New Barn Covert is the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - no theme park queues, no gift shops, just trees and paths and the occasional run of good weather making everything green and golden.

It's a solid choice for a forest walk if you've got the legs for it, and the mix of deciduous and coniferous trees means there's enough visual variety to keep it interesting through the seasons. Spring's decent here when the bluebells come through, autumn even better. You won't find much in the way of facilities - this is genuine forest, not a visitor centre with a cafe - so come prepared with water and proper footwear.

Families with older kids will get more out of this than those with toddlers in tow. It's the sort of place you'd spend a solid hour or two on a good day, maybe longer if you're the type to wander and stop frequently. For walkers especially, it's a genuine break from the manicured park circuit. If you're based at Lorne Hill Farm or Evelyns Garden Glamping - both excellent spots just down the road - this is exactly the sort of local escape that makes a holiday actually restorative rather than just busy. No charge, no booking needed. Just turn up.