Littleton Down

Climbing through bracken and gorse above Ventnor, you'll find this proper hill that rewards the effort with sweeping views across the English Channel. Littleton Down sits at 222 metres, making it one of the Isle of Wight's more prominent peaks along the island's southern ridge.

Walkers will love the approach through ancient downland that feels wonderfully wild compared to the more manicured attractions elsewhere on the island. The summit itself isn't dramatic - more of a rounded crown than a sharp peak - but the panorama takes in everything from the Needles to the mainland coast on clear days.

Families with older children who enjoy a ramble will get the most from this spot, though it's not suitable for pushchairs given the rough terrain. Allow two hours for a leisurely circuit from Ventnor, or make it part of a longer ridge walk. Early morning visits often catch deer grazing on the slopes.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Appuldurcombe Gardens or Parkdean's Lower Hyde makes this an excellent half-day adventure. The down connects well with other island walks, and after working up an appetite on the climb, Ventnor's Victorian seafront offers proper fish and chips to refuel.