Lydeard Hill

The walk up Lydeard Hill from Bridgwater takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the effort pays off with proper views across the Somerset levels. It's not a dramatic summit - more of a gentle climb through farmland and woodland - but on a clear day you can see all the way to the Quantock Hills and beyond. The peak itself sits at 370 metres, which sounds grander than it feels underfoot, but that's rather the point: it's accessible without being a trudge.

Walkers will appreciate this one most. Families with younger kids might find the climb a bit much unless they're keen types, and the summit's fairly bare so there's nowhere to linger for hours. The real appeal is the walk itself rather than some spectacular destination at the top. You can do a loop from the village and make an afternoon of it without breaking a sweat.

It's free, obviously - it's a hill. No facilities at the top, so bring water. Late spring through early autumn is when you'll want to come, when the paths are dry and the views are worth the walk. Winter can get boggy.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby - Secret Valley or Mill Farm are both within a few miles of Bridgwater - this makes a cracking half-day excursion. It breaks up the holiday rhythm without demanding a full commitment, and you're back at the park with time for a proper sit-down before tea. Best done on a weekday morning when the paths are quieter.