Chesters Hill

Chesters Hill rises abruptly from the Dorset landscape just outside Weymouth, offering one of those walks that rewards you with a proper panorama once you've put in the leg work. It's not a long slog - most people manage it in under an hour from the car park - but it's steep enough to remind your calves why you came. The summit view spans across to Portland Bill and back towards Weymouth, with the Jurassic Coast unfolding beneath you on a clear day. Walkers will find it worth the detour, especially if you're already based at one of the nearby parks like Chesil Beach Lodge, which sits just a few miles away and has solid reviews to back it up.

The hill itself is straightforward - grassy slopes, well-trodden paths, nothing technical. Families with older kids (say, eight and up) will manage fine, though younger ones might find the climb a bit much without complaining. There's no visitor centre or facilities on the summit, so bring water. The real appeal is the walking and the views rather than any historical attractions, though the hill has its share of Dorset history if you're that way inclined.

Timing-wise, go early or late in the day to dodge the crowds and catch better light for photos. The exposed summit catches wind, so pack a layer even if it feels warm lower down. It's free to visit, naturally - just park sensibly and head up. Worth combining with a coastal walk or a trip down to Weymouth itself. The whole outing takes a morning without rush.