Norsebury

The walk up Norsebury rewards you with Hampshire's best views south towards the Test Valley - on a clear day you can see right across to the South Downs. It's a proper peak for walkers, not mountaineering, but the climb is steady enough that you'll feel like you've earned the vista at the top.

From Winchester, this is less than an hour's drive, making it an easy half-day outing. The walk itself takes about 90 minutes there and back depending on your pace, and the path is well-trodden. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find it a slog. The real appeal is the 360-degree sweep once you're up there - Winchester cathedral spire to the north, open countryside rolling in every direction.

Go on a crisp autumn morning if you can. Summer weekends bring crowds, and visibility gets dodgy with the heat haze. There's no visitor facility at the top, so bring water and something to eat if you're stopping for a picnic.

If you're basing yourself at Hookpit Farm Caravan Site nearby, Norsebury slots into a long weekend perfectly - it's the sort of walk that clears your head between easier valley strolls. Worth the climb, though it's not dramatic enough to justify a special trip on its own. Combine it with Winchester's cathedral and market and you've got a proper day out.