The Warren

The Warren is a proper woodland walk just outside Wantage - the sort of place locals know about but most visitors miss. It's beech and oak forest mainly, with decent footpaths that wind through the trees without being tedious. You're looking at maybe an hour if you take your time, a bit less if you just want to stretch your legs. The ground's usually muddy after rain, which is part of the appeal really - proper forest walking rather than a manicured stroll.

Walkers will get the most from it. Kids might enjoy it for half an hour before asking if there's cake somewhere. The views aren't dramatic - this is about atmosphere more than vistas - but there's something quite calming about it. No phone signal in parts, which some people find brilliant and others find terrifying.

It's free to access and you can turn up whenever suits. Close enough to Wantage town centre if you want a coffee beforehand. Fits well with a park holiday in the area - you've got Evelyns Garden Glamping just a mile or so away if you want to base yourself properly, or Lorne Hill Farm a bit further out. The Warren itself isn't wildly spectacular, but it's honest woodland and does exactly what it says on the tin. Good for clearing your head on a grey afternoon rather than something to plan your whole trip around.