Oliver Cromwell's Battery

Standing on this windswept Hampshire ridge, you're looking at a Civil War earthwork that's managed to survive nearly four centuries without much fuss. Oliver Cromwell's Battery is essentially a raised fortification - a scarp and counterscarp arrangement - built during the English Civil War when things got properly serious around Winchester. From up here the views across the countryside are genuinely lovely, and on a clear day you can see why this spot was tactically valuable. The walk to reach it isn't taxing, though the ground can be boggy after rain, so sensible boots are essential.

This appeals most to history enthusiasts and walkers rather than families after a day out. There's no visitor centre, no signage to speak of, no café - you're essentially standing on old earthworks reading the landscape. You'll spend maybe thirty minutes here unless you're seriously into Civil War fortifications, in which case you could happily spend longer working out the old gun positions and sightlines. It's free, naturally, as it's just open ground.

If you're based at Winchester Morn Hill Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Hookpit Farm Caravan Site, the battery makes a decent half-day outing paired with a walk across the surrounding commons. Winchester itself is close enough for a proper day out - the cathedral, the High Street, lunch in town - so this works as a quieter morning excursion before heading into the city. Worth doing if you're into this sort of thing, but don't expect dramatic ruins or interpretation boards.