Aylesbury

Rolling hills and ancient woodlands define this corner of Oxfordshire, where the Chilterns meet the Vale of Aylesbury in a landscape that's proper countryside without feeling remote. The market town sits comfortably between Oxford and High Wycombe, making it an excellent spot for exploring both the Cotswolds fringe and the Thames Valley.

Bernwood Forest offers some of the best walking in the area - proper old woodland with well-marked trails that don't get too muddy even after rain. For something different, the Oxfordshire Way cuts through here, giving you a taste of this long-distance footpath without committing to the full 65 miles. The views from Rid's Hill and Muswell Hill are cracking on a clear day, stretching across the vale to the Chiltern escarpment.

Golfers will appreciate Waterstock Golf Club, which has a decent reputation locally and welcomes visitors. The surrounding woods - Stanton Great Wood, Boarstall Wood, and half a dozen smaller copses - make this feel like proper countryside despite being within striking distance of both Oxford and London.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The M40 runs close by, and you're only about 20 minutes from Oxford by car. Train connections aren't brilliant, so having your own transport makes sense.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Common Leys Farm or Oxford Glamping puts you right in the heart of this landscape. You can walk straight into Bernwood Forest from most sites, and day trips to Oxford, the Cotswolds, or even Windsor are all perfectly doable. It's that sweet spot where you get proper countryside peace but aren't cut off from civilisation.