The Blowing Stone

There's a sarsen stone sat in the chalk downland near Wantage that you can actually blow through - and it makes a proper horn sound when you do it right. The Blowing Stone has sat here for centuries, a chunk of rock with a natural hole worn through it, and locals reckon it was used to summon people across the Berkshire Downs back in the day. Whether that's true or just good storytelling, the experience itself is oddly compelling. You arrive at this modest landmark, have a go at producing a sound that makes you look slightly ridiculous, and then stand there wondering why you've driven out to blow a stone.

It's genuinely free and takes about twenty minutes, though truthfully the novelty wears thin fast unless you're with kids who find it hilarious. The real appeal is in the walk itself - the stone sits in decent countryside between Wantage and Ashbury, and the surrounding downland is worth exploring on foot. History buffs might appreciate that it features in local legend tied to Wayland's Smithy and the broader sweep of chalk country archaeology, but don't expect exhibits or interpretation boards.

If you're staying at one of the glamping sites nearby - Evelyns Garden or Nordic Glamping at Botswicky are both well-rated - the Blowing Stone works as a short morning amble before heading elsewhere. Pair it with a proper walk across the downs rather than treating it as a destination in itself. It's the sort of thing that sticks with you more in memory than it deserves to, which is half its charm.