Wallingford

Medieval market squares don't get much more atmospheric than Wallingford's. This Thames-side town has that proper lived-in feel - none of the tourist coach nonsense you'll find elsewhere in Oxfordshire. The old castle ruins loom over everyday life, and locals still gather at the weekly market just as they have for centuries.

Wallingford Castle once rivalled Windsor in importance, though today just fragments of walls remain. Still worth a wander though - the earthworks give you a sense of how massive this place was. The Great Hall puts on decent productions if you fancy a night out, while the town centre has enough independent shops and cafes to keep you busy for an afternoon.

Getting here is straightforward enough. Cholsey station sits just across the river - a short walk or bike ride into town. The Thames Path runs right through Wallingford, making it brilliant for longer riverside walks in either direction.

What really sets this area apart is the surrounding countryside. Blewburton Hill and White Hill offer cracking walks with views across the Vale of White Horse. Wroxhills Wood and Greathouse Wood provide proper escapes when you need to get away from it all. The Ridgeway passes nearby too - perfect for serious hikers.

Staying at one of the local campsites makes perfect sense. You're close enough to pop into town for supplies or a pub lunch, but far enough out to appreciate the rolling Oxfordshire countryside. Swiss Farm and Bridge Villa Camping both put you within easy reach of the town centre, while Rolling Fields Glamping offers something a bit more comfortable if camping isn't your thing.