Gravel Pit Hill

The highest point in Lincolnshire sounds grander than it actually is, and that's rather the charm of Gravel Pit Hill. At 423 feet, it's barely a foothill by Alpine standards, but on the flat Lincolnshire fenland it stands out like a proper landmark. You get a decent walk up from Horncastle - the medieval market town is the obvious base - and the views across the countryside are genuinely worth the effort, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles across empty fields and distant woodland.

It's a straightforward walk rather than a scramble. Most people manage it without fuss, making it ideal for families who want a proper outing without the mountain climbing bit. The surrounding area around Horncastle has enough going on - castle ruins, good pubs, the usual market-town amenities - that you won't feel like you've wasted a trip if the weather turns sour.

Stay at Lincolnshire Glamping just 4 miles away and you've got the site sorted comfortably; Oxcombe Campsite at 5.7 miles is another solid option if you prefer traditional camping. Either way, it works as a half-day activity before or after exploring the local area. Free to access, takes about an hour including the walk and a breather at the top. Go midweek if you can - weekends draw the local crowd and the car parks get rammed.