Conygar Hill

Two hundred feet above Weymouth, this grassy knoll rewards a modest climb with some proper views across Dorset's coastline. The walk up takes twenty minutes from the car park at the base - not exactly challenging, but steep enough to get the heart rate up.

Families with older children will enjoy the scramble to the top, though pushchairs are definitely out of the question. The summit itself is just an exposed hilltop with a trig point, but on clear days you can see right across to Portland Bill and the Isle of Wight beyond. Worth bringing a picnic if the weather's decent.

Dog walkers seem to love this spot - expect plenty of four-legged company on weekends. The lack of facilities means it's very much a case of what you see is what you get, but that's part of its appeal. No crowds, no entrance fees, just a straightforward hill walk with rewarding views.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Weymouth like Haven Weymouth Bay or Warmwell, this makes a good morning excursion before hitting the beach. Allow an hour for the round trip, longer if you fancy lingering at the top. Best avoided in wet weather when the grass gets slippery.