National Trust - Cerne Giant

You'll spot him from half a mile away - a 180-foot chalk figure carved into the hillside above Cerne Abbas, a village just north of Dorchester. The Cerne Giant is impossible to miss, and yes, he's anatomically explicit in a way that's caused controversy for centuries. Local legend says he was cut in 1694, though some reckon he's far older. Either way, he's become Dorset's most talked-about landmark.

The best view is from the layby on the A352, where you can pull over and gawp properly without trespassing. If you're feeling energetic, walk up the slope behind the village - it's a proper hike but gets you closer to the figure itself. The chalk lines are maintained by locals who take pride in keeping him visible, which means the walk up is actually part of the experience. Kids find the cheekiness of him hilarious, and families use it as a reason to explore Cerne Abbas itself, which has a decent pub and some lovely walks around the valley.

Free to view, obviously - he's just there on the hillside. Allow an hour if you're walking up to him, twenty minutes if you're stopping at the layby. The Giants Head Caravan & Camping Park sits less than a mile away, making it a natural base. Green Valley Yurts, three miles off, works too if you want something more upmarket. Visit early morning to dodge the crowds and catch decent light for photos.