King's Hill

The walk up King's Hill takes about twenty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and you'll find yourself on one of the highest points in Hertfordshire - which, admittedly, doesn't mean the Alps. But that's not the point. From the top, the views across the rolling Hertfordshire countryside are genuinely satisfying, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles across farmland and distant tree lines.

It's an easy enough walk for families with children, though the path can be muddy in winter and slightly steep in sections. The summit itself is fairly open, with space to sit and eat a picnic without feeling crowded. On weekends, you'll find the occasional walker or runner, but it never feels busy.

Historically, there's not much fanfare to the place - no memorial plaques or interpretive boards, just the landscape itself. That's rather lovely, actually. You come for the walk and the breathing space, not for the Instagram moment.

Stevenage is the nearest town, about four miles away, which makes King's Hill an excellent half-hour break from a longer day out. If you're staying at Church Farm Ardeley - a solid, family-friendly park just 3.7 miles west - this pairs nicely with a morning walk. Allow an hour total including the summit dwell time. Go early on a Saturday to avoid the afternoon walkers. It won't blow your mind, but it's proper countryside and well worth the short detour.