Oaken Copse

The woodland around Oaken Copse, just outside Wallingford, is proper walking country - dense enough to feel like you've stepped away from things, but accessible enough that you won't need a machete. It's the sort of place where the light filters through in that particular way that makes you understand why people bang on about ancient forests.

There's no visitor centre or tea room, which is either a bonus or a drawback depending on your view. You get the forest as it actually is: paths threading between the oaks (naturally), plenty of muddy stretches after rain, and the occasional clearing where you can catch your breath. Most people allow an hour to ninety minutes for a decent walk, though you could happily lose two hours if you're the dawdling type.

Families with reasonably active kids will have a fine time here. Very young children might find the lack of obvious "attractions" a bit dull - there's no play equipment, no information boards to read - but anyone aged eight and up who enjoys tramping about in the woods will get something from it. It's the sort of place walkers use as a warm-up before tackling the bigger trails out this way.

If you're staying at Ridgeway View Campsite or any of the other parks clustered around Wallingford, Oaken Copse works well as a morning or afternoon break between longer outings. The forest won't transform your holiday, but it's free and close by - that counts for something.