Lavender Fields

The purple sprawl hits you first - row upon row of lavender stretching across Hampshire farmland near Alton, turning the whole landscape into something from a Provence postcard. It's genuinely stunning in mid-summer when the flowers are at their peak, and the smell is thick enough to coat your clothes.

You wander between the rows at your own pace, stopping to photograph, pick the odd sprig (if that's allowed - check ahead), or just stand there inhaling. It's peaceful, photogenic, and entirely free if you're walking through. Some visitors kick up at least an hour here; others five minutes and they're done. Depends on your tolerance for Instagram moments.

The real catch is timing. Go in July, and it's magnificent. Go in September, and you'll find brown stems and disappointed faces. Early morning light is kinder than the harsh midday glare too.

For families, young kids find it mildly interesting until the novelty wears off - there's no playground or gift shop to extend the visit. Walkers and photography types get far more from it. It pairs well with nearby Feather Down Manor Farm or Wigwam Holidays if you're basing yourself here for a few days - adds one decent morning outing to a longer stay.

Don't make it your sole reason for visiting Hampshire. Do slot it in if you're passing through Alton anyway and the calendar's right.