Witney

Three lakes cluster around this old woollen town, giving Witney a surprisingly watery feel for somewhere so far inland. The town itself runs on proper market town energy - busy enough on weekdays but never frantic, with a high street that's held onto independent shops better than most.

Cogges Manor Farm Museum tells the story of Witney's blanket-making past, though honestly the town wears its wool heritage more subtly these days. What strikes you most is how the Windrush cuts right through the centre, creating pockets of green that break up the Cotswold stone nicely.

St Johns Lake and Manor Farm Lake offer decent walking, especially if you fancy stretching your legs after driving down from Oxford. The paths around Hardwick Lake get properly muddy after rain, mind you. For something different, the lakes at States Lagoon and the various Brasenose waters provide good fishing spots - though you'll need to check access rights.

Green Wood and Fox Covert give you proper countryside within walking distance of the town centre. Monument Clump offers cracking views back across the Thames Valley, well worth the slight trek uphill.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Witney sits 12 miles west of Oxford on the A40, with regular bus connections if you're not driving. The train station closed decades ago, but frankly you're better off with a car for exploring the surrounding villages anyway.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into Oxford for the day, but far enough out to enjoy proper Oxfordshire countryside. The Cotswolds start properly just south of here, while the Thames Path runs nearby for longer walks.