Fireball Hill

The name alone gets people interested, though the reality is rather more modest than the legend suggests. Fireball Hill sits in Bracknell Forest, a genuine high point in this corner of the Thames Valley with decent views across the surrounding woodland and towards Windsor. It's not exactly a mountain - you're looking at a proper walk rather than a scramble - but on a clear day the effort pays off.

Walkers will appreciate this more than most. It's the sort of place where families with older kids can stretch their legs without committing to hours of trudging, and history buffs sometimes swing by on the off-chance of finding something that explains the fireball business (spoiler: the origin of the name remains pleasantly vague). The woodland setting means it's greener and quieter than you'd expect given the proximity to Windsor.

There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of - no café, no entrance fee, no posted hours - which is either liberating or annoying depending on your preference. Come during dry spells when the paths aren't boggy. Allow an hour for the walk and views without rushing. If you're staying at any of the caravan parks scattered around the forest - Cranbourne Hall and Warfield Park are closest at just over two miles away - this makes a decent half-day break from the campsite. It won't compete with a proper day out in Windsor town centre, but it's exactly the sort of local ramble that justifies a forest holiday.