Barrow Hill

The walk up Barrow Hill from Tilbury isn't long, but it rewards you with views across the Thames estuary that genuinely take your breath away. On a clear day you can see right across the water toward Kent - proper expansive stuff. The "hill" itself is modest by most standards, but that's Essex for you; what it lacks in elevation it makes up for in openness and that particular quality of light you only get near water.

It's worth the detour if you're camping at Thamesview and fancy a leg-stretcher that isn't just a trudge along the towpath. You'll need maybe 45 minutes to reach the top and back down, depending on how long you linger. The path is straightforward, no scrambling required, so families with older kids will manage fine. Younger ones might find it a bit of a slog, though.

Go early morning or late afternoon when the sun's lower and the light's golden - the haze lifts and you can see for miles. Midday can feel flat. There's no café up top or facilities to speak of, so bring water. The estuary's industrial in places - you'll see container ships, cranes, the lot - but that's oddly compelling rather than spoiling the view. Worth combining with a walk round Tilbury's riverfront to make a proper morning of it. Free to visit, obviously.