Hoad Hill

The walk up Hoad Hill takes about forty minutes from Grange-over-Sands, and it's one of those climbs that doesn't feel particularly steep until you're halfway up and your legs remind you otherwise. What makes it worth the effort is the monument at the summit - a proper Victorian tower built to commemorate John Barrow, the local lad who became an Arctic explorer. The views from the top sweep across Morecambe Bay with the Lake District fells rising up behind, and on a clear day you can see right across to the Pennines.

This is solid walking country rather than a casual stroll. Families with older kids will manage it fine, but younger ones might struggle with the sustained incline. The monument itself is atmospheric rather than thrilling - you're essentially looking at a cylindrical stone tower that's been weathered by Cumbrian rain for over 150 years. What you really come for is the walk and the panorama.

It's free to walk up and explore, and allow an hour and a half for the round trip if you're taking it steady. Spring and autumn are best - you'll avoid the worst of the Lake District crowds while still getting decent visibility across the bay. If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Old Park Wood or Haven Lakeland, Hoad Hill makes for a proper morning adventure before heading down to the coast. The town itself has tea shops and an ice cream stand that won't disappoint after the climb.