Castle Hill

The walk up Castle Hill outside Wantage takes about twenty minutes, and you'll know you're doing it right when your calves start complaining. It's a proper pull - steep enough that you'll want to stop halfway and pretend you're admiring the view rather than catching your breath. Once you're up there though, the Berkshire countryside spreads out below you in that gentle, rolling way that makes you understand why people actually choose to live in the Home Counties.

There's not much at the top - no castle, despite the name, just earthworks and the satisfaction of having earned the vista. On a clear day you can see for miles across the Vale of the White Horse. Bring binoculars if you're into spotting landmarks; the landscape geeks will spend an hour picking out distant villages. Kids will get a decent twenty minutes of scrambling about on the slopes before demanding ice cream, but if you've got teenagers who'll walk without complaining, it's worth the detour.

Free, obviously - it's just a hill with Bronze Age remains and a few information boards. Early morning is best if you want to dodge other walkers, though weekends can get a bit busy with local ramblers. The climb takes it out of you more than you'd expect given the modest height, so don't tackle it after a heavy lunch.

If you're based at Evelyns Garden Glamping or Lorne Hill Farm nearby, this makes a solid morning outing before heading back for coffee. It's not life-changing, but it's a proper workout with a decent payoff at the top.