Beacon Fell Country Park

The fell itself rises abruptly from the Lancashire flatlands south of Preston, and once you're up there the views stretch across to the Pennines and the Forest of Bowland. Beacon Fell Country Park is essentially a manageable chunk of moorland with proper walking trails crisscrossing through heather and gorse, plus a small visitor facility at the base. The climb is steep but short - most people knock it out in under an hour - and the summit gives you that satisfying sense of height without needing fell boots or a packed lunch.

It's ideal for walkers wanting something local and quick, and families with reasonably energetic kids won't find it a slog. The moor itself is quiet, which is refreshing compared to the usual tourist honeypots. You get red grouse, golden plover if you're lucky, and the heather colours the whole place purple come late summer.

The park sits perfectly for a caravan holiday around Preston. Beacon Fell View Holiday Park is right there at 4 miles, making this your actual doorstep attraction. Wigwam Holidays at Kidsnape Farm is even closer at 2.5 miles if you fancy a wigwam break. Both Brickhouse and Claylands are within reasonable striking distance too, so it's the kind of place that rewards a three or four-day base-camp stay.

Admission is free, and there's car parking at the bottom. Allow an hour minimum if you're just doing the main loop, longer if you want to potter about the side paths. Go on a clear day - on misty afternoons it feels a bit pointless.