Hunton Down

A decent hill walk from Winchester that rewards you with proper views across Hampshire once you've put in the legwork. Hunton Down sits around 600 metres above sea level, which means the climb is gradual rather than punishing - ideal if you want to feel like you've earned a viewpoint without your legs staging a revolt.

The walk itself takes you through mixed woodland and open downland, typical South Downs terrain. On a clear day the visibility stretches well beyond what you'd expect from a Hampshire peak. It's the sort of place where you'll spot the cathedral spire at Winchester glinting in the distance, which gives you a genuine sense of being somewhere proper rather than just trudging round another suburban nature reserve.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a destination you'd drive to and stand for five minutes with a camera - you're looking at a solid two to three hours once you factor in the approach and a leisurely wander about the top. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might flag on the descent. The ground can be muddy after rain, so decent boots matter.

If you're based at Hookpit Farm Caravan Site just four miles away, this makes a proper morning or afternoon excursion. Winchester itself is worth a day, but Hunton Down is the sort of walk that actually justifies a weekend in the area rather than feeling like a one-off tourist tick.