Our journey begins with the region's most enigmatic monuments - stone circles and megalithic structures. The first stop is the famous Rollright Stones, located on the border of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. This mysterious complex consists of three main elements: King's Men (a stone circle), King Stone (a single stone) and Whispering Knights (a dolmen). Legend has it that the stones are the fossilized king and his knights, enchanted by a witch. The circle, dating to the Neolithic period (about 2500-2000 BC), consists of about 77 stones and has a diameter of 33 meters. It's the perfect place to start an adventure into England's prehistory. Children are sure to be fascinated by the opportunity to touch stones thousands of years old and listen to old stories passed down from generation to generation.

The next point on our trip is Wayland's Smithy, a Neolithic chamber tomb that dates back to around 3600 BC. This site, in addition to its extraordinary archaeological value, also has a rich mythology. According to legends, it was the workshop of Wayland, a mythical blacksmith who had the power to repair magical objects. The tomb, surrounded by trees, creates an unusual, mystical atmosphere. This is an excellent opportunity to tell children about the beliefs of ancient peoples and spark their imagination.

Compared to Rollright Stones, Wayland's Smithy offers a more intimate atmosphere. While Rollright attracts more tourists due to its size and variety of elements, Wayland's Smithy allows for a more intimate experience of history. Both sites are free to visit, making them attractive to families. It's worth noting, however, that Wayland's Smithy requires a short walk from the nearest parking lot, which can be a handicap for those with limited mobility.

These two sites provide an excellent introduction to exploring Oxfordshire's prehistory. Not only do they offer the opportunity to interact with monuments thousands of years old, but they also provide beautiful views of the surrounding hills and fields. It's the perfect opportunity to combine history learning with active outdoor recreation.

Continuing our journey through prehistoric Oxfordshire, we can't miss the impressive Uffington Castle. Dating to around 800-700 BC, this ancient Iron Age stronghold not only offers a fascinating insight into the defense systems of our ancestors, but also breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Uffington Castle is not so much a traditional castle as it is an extensive oval-shaped earth fortification occupying the top of a hill. This place is especially interesting for children, who can run around the ramparts and imagine what life was like in the days when these fortifications protected the local community.

In close proximity to Uffington Castle is the famous Uffington White Horse - a giant horse statue carved into a chalk hill that, according to research, may be up to 3,000 years old. This is an excellent opportunity to combine a visit to the castle with observation of this remarkable piece of prehistoric art. It's worth planning your visit so that you have time to walk around the area and admire the White Horse from different perspectives.

Another fascinating site on our route is Devil's Quoits, a stone circle located near Stanton Harcourt. Although less well-known than Rollright Stones, this Bronze Age (circa 1800-1500 BC) monument is equally intriguing. Devil's Quoits consists of about 20 stones (though originally there may have been as many as 40) forming a circle about 75 meters in diameter. The site has been partially reconstructed in recent years, giving a better idea of what it might have looked like in its heyday.

Compared to Uffington Castle, Devil's Quoits offers a more intimate atmosphere. While Uffington attracts more tourists due to its size and connection to the White Horse statue, Devil's Quoits allows for a quieter, more reflective experience. Both places are free to visit, but Devil's Quoits can be harder to find for those unfamiliar with the area.

Not only do these ancient monuments give us a better understanding of the lives of our ancestors, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to talk with children about the importance of preserving cultural heritage. We can discuss how construction methods changed over thousands of years, what tools may have been used to create these monuments, and what religious or social significance these sites may have had for ancient communities.

The diversity of the landscape surrounding these monuments is worth noting. From the grassy hills of Uffington to the more wooded areas around Devil's Quoits, each of these sites offers a unique experience of interacting with nature and history at the same time. This is an excellent opportunity to teach children how to identify different species of plants and animals specific to the Oxfordshire region.

At the end of our journey through ancient Oxfordshire, we move to a time a little closer to the present, but no less fascinating - the period of Roman rule in Britain. North Leigh Roman Villa is the perfectly preserved remains of a Roman country villa, dating to the 2nd-4th centuries AD. This site offers an extraordinary opportunity to see what life was like for the wealthy Romans in what is now England.

The villa at North Leigh is a complex of buildings stretching over an area of about 4,000 square meters. Although most of the structure is visible today only in the form of foundations, fragments of the original floor mosaics have survived and are a real feast for the eyes. The most impressive mosaic is housed in a specially built pavilion that protects it from the weather. This is a great opportunity to tell children about Roman construction techniques, lifestyle and art.

Compared to the prehistoric monuments previously discussed, the North Leigh Roman Villa offers a more tangible insight into the daily life of the ancient inhabitants of Britain. While the stone circles and barrows leave a lot of room for conjecture and interpretation, the Roman Villa provides a more detailed understanding of what life was like in those days. This site is particularly valuable for education, as you can see elements of an underfloor heating system (hypocaustum), the layout of rooms typical of Roman houses or the remains of a bathhouse.

North Leigh Roman Villa, like the previously discussed monuments, is available free of charge, making it an attractive option for families. It is worth remembering, however, that unlike the open spaces of Uffington Castle or Rollright Stones, visiting the villa requires a bit more attention and caution due to the delicacy of the preserved structures.

A visit to the North Leigh Roman Villa is a great opportunity to talk with your children about the impact of Roman culture on Britain. We can discuss how the Romans changed the landscape, introduced new technologies, plants or customs that are still part of British culture today. This is also a good time to compare life in a Roman villa with what we know about life in the prehistoric settlements we visited earlier.

To sum up our journey through ancient Oxfordshire, it's worth noting how diverse and rich the region's heritage is. From mysterious stone circles to impressive Iron Age fortifications to luxurious Roman villas, each of these sites tells a different story and gives us a better understanding of how life in the area has changed over thousands of years.

This tour is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, admire the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside and develop your imagination. Whether you are passionate about history or simply looking for an inspiring idea for a family trip, Oxfordshire's ancient sites are sure to provide an unforgettable experience and become a source of fascinating conversation long after you return home.