Eastnor Hill

The walk up Eastnor Hill rewards you with one of those views that makes the climb worthwhile - on a clear day you're looking across the Malvern Hills and into Wales. It's not a difficult ascent, but it does take proper effort, especially if you tackle it from the lower slopes near Ledbury way. The hill itself sits just outside Malvern, making it an obvious detour if you're staying anywhere nearby.

This is walker territory, full stop. If you've got kids under ten who aren't keen on a decent hike, they'll get fed up before the summit. But for anyone who likes leg work and genuine countryside views without the crowds of the main Malvern ridge, it's spot on. The terrain is straightforward - no scrambling, no exposure - so it suits families with older children and regular walkers equally well.

Allow a couple of hours return from the car park, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. There's something quite special about standing up there and realizing how much landscape you're actually looking at. The view south towards the Malvern town itself is decent too.

If you're based at any of the caravan parks within four miles - Mike's Meadow, The Turbles, or Swallowfields - this makes an excellent half-day outing. It's free to access, parking is straightforward, and you don't need a guidebook to find your way. Go early morning or late afternoon if you want decent light on the view.