Caroline Cliff

Walking along the Dorset Coast Path near Swanage, you'll spot a modest sign pointing to Caroline Cliff - and it's well worth the short detour. The viewpoint sits on a grassy headland with unobstructed views across Swanage Bay and the white chalk cliffs that define this stretch of the Jurassic Coast.

There's no fancy interpretation boards or visitor facilities here, just a simple bench and some of the finest coastal panoramas in Dorset. On a clear day you can see right across to the Needles on the Isle of Wight. Walkers tackling the South West Coast Path will pass right by, making it a natural photo stop.

Kids might get restless after ten minutes unless they're keen on rock pooling down below, but for anyone who appreciates proper coastal scenery, it's a cracking spot. The cliff face itself shows off millions of years of geological history - the sort of thing that makes this coastline a World Heritage Site.

If you're staying at Haven Rockley Park or one of the other holiday parks around Swanage, Caroline Cliff makes for an easy morning walk before the day gets too hot. Allow an hour return from the nearest car park, though serious hikers will want to incorporate it into a longer coastal ramble towards Dancing Ledge or Anvil Point.