Red Hill

Red Hill doesn't announce itself. You're cycling or walking through the Oxfordshire countryside near Oxford and suddenly the ground rises up more noticeably than you'd expect in this part of the world. It's not Alpine, not even Lake District dramatic, but it's a proper vantage point if you know how to use it.

The hill itself is modest in height but the views across the surrounding farmland and towards Oxford are genuinely worthwhile on a clear day. On a grey afternoon in March we found it a solid spot for a breather and a look around, the kind of place locals clearly know about and visitors often miss entirely. It works best if you're already walking the area rather than making a special trip from the city centre.

Families with older kids who don't mind a bit of a ramble will get something out of it. Young children might lose interest quickly unless you're mixing it with a longer walk. The real appeal is for people doing a proper circuit through the Oxfordshire valleys - Red Hill slots naturally into a day out rather than standing alone as a destination.

It's free and accessible year-round. Allow twenty minutes to reach the summit and take in the view, longer if you're combining it with the surrounding footpaths. The nearby holiday parks at Common Leys Farm, Green Acres, and the glamping site at Oxford make good bases for exploring this quieter side of the county. Nothing fancy about Red Hill, but it does exactly what it says on the tin.