Appuldurcombe Down

Standing 232 metres above sea level, this grassy hilltop gives you the best views on the southern half of the Isle of Wight without the crowds that plague Tennyson Down. The walk up from Ventnor takes about 45 minutes through farmland and scrub, and while it's a proper climb, it's nothing too taxing for reasonably fit families with older children.

From the summit, you can see right across the English Channel on clear days, with the Needles visible to the west and the chalk cliffs of the mainland stretching eastward. What makes this spot special is the sense of space - you're likely to have it largely to yourself, especially on weekdays.

Families staying at nearby parks like Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park or Parkdean Resorts Lower Hyde will find this makes a cracking half-day trip. Pack a picnic and allow three hours total including the walk. The down is also popular with paragliders when conditions are right, which adds a bit of excitement for kids watching from below.

Best visited in the morning when the light is clearest and before any afternoon haze rolls in from the sea. The walk back down to Ventnor is much easier on the legs, and you can reward yourself with fish and chips by the seafront.