The North Wessex Downs dominate the landscape of south Oxfordshire with the escarpment that includes the 5,000 year old White Horse at Uffington.

This magnificent landscape is full of stories of battles, the making of the kingdom of Wessex, and journeys on the Ridgeway taken by countless people over the millennia.

Here you will find wildflower meadows, horse riding, pedigree cattle and pigs, and lots of archaeological and geological sites to explore.

• Cross Lanes Fruit Farm in southern Oxfordshire is one of the very few traditional orchards left in the North Wessex Downs AONB. There are spring visits to admire the blossom, autumn visits to coincide with Apple Day in October, lots of tasting opportunities, quizzes and games. Visits can be made all year round but for younger children the autumn is the best time to visit.
• Marvel at the magnificent wildflower meadows at Weir Farm near Wantage. A visit in late spring and early summer will ensure you see lots of butterflies too.
• Explore the ancient Ridgeway close to Down Barn Farm where there are traditional breeds of Beef Shorthorn cattle and Tamworth pigs.