Lassington Hill

The walk up Lassington Hill from Gloucester isn't going to exhaust you, but it's a proper little workout if you're not used to the inclines. The summit sits at decent height above the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day you get sweeping views across the Severn Valley towards the Forest of Dean. It's the sort of spot where locals come to blow away the cobwebs rather than arrive by tour bus.

You'll want to allow a good hour for the ascent and descent depending on your fitness level and how long you linger at the top taking in the vista. The views are genuinely worth the effort - it's not dramatic in a Lake District sense, but it has that gentle English charm that rewards a bit of leg work. Walkers and hill enthusiasts will get the most from this one. Families with young kids might find it a bit of a slog, though older children who enjoy the outdoors will feel properly accomplished at the summit.

It's absolutely free, as you'd expect for an accessible peak in the Cotswold fringe. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so pack a flask and snacks. The best light is either early morning or late afternoon when the shadows across the valley deepen the landscape. If you're staying at Court Farm Camping or Norton Park Lodges just a few miles away, this makes a cracking morning walk before breakfast or a late-afternoon outing. Combine it with a pint in Gloucester afterwards and you've got yourself a proper day out.