Osmington Hill

Climbing this modest Dorset hill rewards you with one of the finest coastal panoramas along the Jurassic Coast. The chalk downs rise to just over 150 metres, but the elevated position above Weymouth Bay delivers views that punch well above their weight. On clear days, you can spot Portland Bill lighthouse and the sweep of Chesil Beach stretching towards Bridport.

Families staying at nearby Haven Seaview or Weymouth Bay holiday parks will find this a proper workout for restless kids - the steep ascent takes about 20 minutes from the village below. Walkers can extend the adventure by following the South West Coast Path in either direction, though the hill itself makes for a satisfying short expedition.

The famous Osmington White Horse carved into the hillside sits just below the summit, best viewed from the Weymouth direction rather than up close. Most visitors combine the climb with a trip to the village of Osmington below, which has a decent pub for post-walk refreshments.

Timing matters here. Early morning light brings out the best colours in the landscape, while late afternoon can leave you squinting into the sun. Allow an hour for the round trip if you're reasonably fit, longer with small children who'll want to explore the grassland at the top.