Norton Hill

Standing 500 feet above the Severn Vale, this grassy summit delivers proper views across the Gloucestershire countryside without the crowds you'd find on the Cotswold escarpment. The climb from the village below takes about 20 minutes through farmland - nothing too strenuous, though the final stretch gets your heart pumping a bit.

From the top, you can spot Gloucester Cathedral's tower on clear days, with the Forest of Dean rolling away to the west and the Malverns visible on the horizon. Walkers will appreciate the network of footpaths that connect Norton Hill to longer routes through the vale, making it a decent leg-stretcher if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Norton Park Lodges or Court Farm Camping.

Families with younger children might find it a bit dull after the initial excitement of reaching the summit - there's not much to explore once you're up there. But for anyone who enjoys a straightforward walk with rewarding views, it's well worth the effort. The hill is freely accessible year-round, though stick to marked paths to avoid upsetting local farmers. Allow an hour for the round trip, longer if you fancy extending the walk along the ridge.