Bembridge Down

Standing 97 metres above sea level, this chalk downland offers proper views across the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight without the crowds you'll find at more famous vantage points. The walk up from Bembridge village takes about 20 minutes through gorse and grassland, with the reward being sweeping panoramas over the Solent and beyond to Portsmouth on clear days.

Walkers and photographers will get the most from this spot. Families with older children who don't mind a bit of a climb will enjoy it too, though toddlers might struggle with the uneven paths. The wildflowers in spring and summer are lovely - skylarks nest up here and you'll often hear them singing overhead.

There's no formal car park, so you'll need to find roadside parking in Bembridge and walk up. The paths can be muddy after rain and quite exposed when windy, so dress accordingly. Allow an hour or two if you want to explore properly and perhaps continue along the coastal path.

For those staying at nearby Sandhills Holiday Park or St Helens Coastal Resort, it's an easy morning or evening excursion. The down connects nicely with walks to Culver Down to the west, making it worth combining with other island attractions rather than a destination on its own.