Herefordshire Beacon

Standing 338 metres above the Severn Valley, this ancient hill fort delivers one of the finest panoramas in the Malvern Hills. The climb from British Camp car park takes about 20 minutes on a well-defined path, though the final stretch gets properly steep.

What makes this peak special isn't just the view - though on a clear day you'll see across to the Welsh mountains and the Cotswolds. The Bronze Age earthworks are still clearly visible, massive ramparts that once protected an Iron Age settlement. Walking around the summit, you can trace the defensive ditches and imagine life here 2,000 years ago.

Families with older children will manage the ascent fine, but toddlers might struggle with the gradient. History enthusiasts get the most from a visit - the information boards explain the fort's significance well. Allow two hours for the round trip if you want to explore the earthworks properly.

The beacon sits right in the heart of the Malverns, making it an excellent focal point for a walking holiday. Several holiday parks dot the area - Swallowfields Retreat and The Turbles are both just over two miles away, while Malvern Hills Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite offers a slightly longer but still convenient base at four miles. Access is free year-round, though winter visits can be muddy and windswept.