Charborough Park

The moment you walk into Charborough Park, you'll spot the tower - a proper Victorian folly rising from the Dorset heathland like something out of a Gothic novel. It's the sort of landscape that makes you understand why people have always wanted to build monuments here. The reserve sits just outside Poole and covers a fair stretch of heathland, woodland and open ground that genuinely rewards a decent wander.

This isn't a manicured nature reserve with visitor centres and gift shops. It's wilder than that - you're looking at heathland that's genuinely rare in England now, the kind of habitat that matters for wildlife. If you're into birds, reptiles or plants, you'll find proper botanical interest here. Families with kids who can manage a couple of hours on their feet will get something from it, though younger children might find the walking a bit long for the payoff.

The tower itself is the real draw for most people, and the views across the park and surrounding countryside are worth the walk up to it. Allow three to four hours if you're doing a proper explore, less if you're just after the tower and a quick circuit.

If you're based at Wareham Forest Tourist Park or Hunter's Moon just down the road, this makes a solid morning or afternoon outing. Combine it with a walk around nearby Poole Harbour and you've got a proper day. Go on a weekday if you can - the weekends can get a bit busier than the heath deserves.