Basildon Park

Basildon Park is the kind of grand National Trust day out that manages to combine sweeping grounds, historic house energy and plenty of room to stretch everyone's legs. The estate centres on an 18th-century Palladian-style mansion, with restored gardens, broad parkland and several walking trails that give the whole visit a proper outdoorsy backbone rather than a quick house-peek and done.

There are views from the terrace, woodland and meadow routes to explore, and a tea-room and shop on site for the necessary refuel that always seems to arrive right on cue. Dogs are welcome on leads in the grounds and gardens year-round, with dog-friendly indoor seating available in parts of the tearoom and dogs also welcome in the shop.

It has that very satisfying mix of beauty and breathing space, where the landscape does a lot of the work and the house adds extra polish. A strong pick for a fuller Oxfordshire outing with fresh air, scenery and a bit of stately-house theatre.