Brean Down Fort

Victorian paranoia meets limestone headland at this crumbling coastal fort, perched dramatically on the tip of Brean Down near Burnham-on-Sea. Built in the 1860s when Napoleon III was rattling sabres across the Channel, the fort never fired a shot in anger - though it did accidentally blow itself up in 1900 during an ammunition explosion that left the impressive ruins you see today.

The walk out to the fort is half the adventure. A steady climb along the ridge gives you proper views across the Bristol Channel to Wales on clear days. The fort itself is atmospheric rather than informative - expect weathered walls, grassy ramparts and plenty of room for kids to scramble about safely.

History buffs will appreciate the Second World War additions when the site was pressed back into service, complete with pillboxes and gun emplacements. Families staying at nearby parks like Warren Farm Holiday Centre or Diamond Farm Holiday Park will find it makes a decent half-day out, especially combined with the beach below.

Allow two hours including the walk - it's about a mile each way along the headland. The path can be muddy after rain and gets windy, so dress accordingly. Free to explore and open all year, though winter visits can be properly wild when the weather's up.