Viewing your surroundings is always a good way to start. Faringdon Folly Tower, a unique 100ft tower built by the eccentric Lord Berners in the 1930s, offers fantastic panoramas of the Thames Valley and, a mile or so further north, Radcot Bridge and Lock is a wonderful spot to stop for a picnic after. It's the oldest bridge across the Thames and was the scene of many battles, today, away from the lock itself, this area of the river is also particularly popular for wild swimming. To the south lies Uffington: home to the famous white horse; a hill figure carved into the chalk escarpment and thought to date back to 1000BC. For more farm fun, kids love Roves Farm (01793 763939) in nearby Sevenhampton, which has daily animal handling and feedings, as well as tractor rides and more. For something more exotic, spot rhinos, giraffes and zebras at Cotswold Wildlife Park (01993 823006), 25 minutes away. The dreamy spires of Oxford are also an easy 30-minute drive. Spend a day exploring its 38 colleges, pop into the various museums and visit the labyrinth of boutique shops in the covered market. And, if the weather's good, indulge in a spot of punting (01865 515978).