Black Hill

Black Hill might not be the Dorset peak that makes it onto postcards, but it's a proper workout if you're based near Wareham and fancy a walk that actually feels like something. You're looking at decent views across the heathland once you reach the top - nothing that'll knock your socks off, but on a clear day you can see well beyond the immediate moorland. The climb itself is steep enough to warm the legs, which means it suits walkers who want more than a gentle stroll but aren't after a full day's expedition.

Historically it's connected to the area's Bronze Age heritage, though there's precious little to see once you're up there - no visitor centre, no cafe, just you and the landscape. That's rather the point, frankly. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the walk tedious without a summit payoff. Allow roughly 90 minutes return from the base depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top.

It's free to walk, obviously. The nearest decent base would be Wareham itself, and from there you're spoilt for caravan parks - Wareham Forest Tourist Park and Longthorns Farm are within easy striking distance. Combine it with a visit to the heathland walks nearby and you've got a solid afternoon sorted. Worth doing once if you're in the area for a week, but don't make it a special trip.