Arn Hill Down

Standing 215 metres above the Wiltshire countryside, Arn Hill Down delivers proper panoramic views without the tourist crowds you'll find elsewhere in the county. The steep chalk downland climb from Warminster takes about 45 minutes, but the payoff is substantial - rolling hills stretch in every direction, with Longleat's distinctive lake visible to the southeast on clear days.

Walkers will appreciate the well-defined bridleways that crisscross the down, though families with small children might find the initial ascent rather demanding. The grassland up top is ideal for a picnic, assuming the wind isn't too fierce. Early morning visits offer the best light for photographs and fewer dog walkers.

This makes a cracking half-day excursion if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks around Warminster. Center Parcs Longleat Forest sits just under three miles away, making it an easy drive to the base of the hill. The walk pairs well with a visit to Longleat itself - you can actually spot the safari park's boundaries from the summit. Allow two to three hours total including the walk up and time to properly take in the views. Free parking is available in Warminster, though spaces fill up quickly at weekends.