Crest Hill

The walk up Crest Hill is brief but satisfying - you're looking at maybe twenty minutes from Alton if you know where you're going, and the payoff is a proper viewpoint across Hampshire's rolling countryside. It's not dramatic in the Alpine sense, but on a clear day you can see for miles, which makes it worth the modest leg-stretch.

This is the sort of place that rewards walkers more than casual visitors. If you're after a quick photo stop and a bit of fresh air, you'll get it. If you want to sit for a while and actually look at the landscape, even better. The hill itself is accessible enough - no scrambling or technical stuff - so families with older kids won't struggle, though younger ones might find the walk a bit dull if there's no sugar-coating involved.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which is fine. It's free and you can turn up whenever you fancy. Best visited outside peak season when it's quieter, though honestly it's never going to be rammed.

If you're staying at Feather Down Manor Farm or Wigwam Holidays nearby, it's a decent morning outing to combine with other walking in the area. It doesn't eat up a whole day, which means you can use it as part of a broader exploration of North Hampshire rather than banking on it as a standalone attraction. Bring decent shoes - it can be muddy after rain.