Chaldon Down

Standing at 141 metres, this chalk downland summit offers proper views across the Dorset coast without the crowds you'll find at more famous spots. The walk up from West Lulworth takes about 45 minutes through rolling grassland, and on a clear day you can see right across to Portland Bill and the Isle of Wight.

Families with older children will enjoy the scramble - younger ones might find the gradient a bit much. The path can get muddy after rain, so decent walking boots are essential. What makes this peak special is the sense of space; you're likely to have the summit largely to yourself, unlike the busy clifftops further east.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the Bronze Age burial mounds scattered across the down, while walkers can easily link this with longer routes along the South West Coast Path. The summit itself is unmarked - just a gentle rounded top with 360-degree views.

From holiday parks like Sandyholme or Haven Seaview, it's a short drive to the trailhead. Allow half a day if you're combining it with a visit to Lulworth Cove. The wind can be fierce up here even on calm days below, so pack layers. Not spectacular, but thoroughly satisfying for those who prefer their summits earned rather than driven to.