Pepper Hill

The highest point in Essex, Pepper Hill rises just 482 feet above sea level near Tilbury - which tells you immediately that this part of England is famously flat. Don't expect dramatic Alpine drama, but that's rather the point.

What you get here is a proper vantage point across the Thames estuary, with views that stretch across to Kent and the industrial sprawl of the river itself. On a clear day it's genuinely worth scrambling up for, particularly if you're keen on river traffic or industrial archaeology. The walk itself is gentle, nothing taxing, which makes it ideal for families with younger children or anyone who wants a bit of elevation without the graft.

Tilbury sits just a few miles south, making this an easy detour if you're exploring that part of the coast. Thamesview Camping is within easy reach if you're basing yourself in the area for a proper Essex estuary break - not everyone's idea of excitement, but it has a rough, authentic charm that softer holiday parks can't touch.

Best visited on a clear morning when the light's decent and you can actually see something beyond the immediate foreground. Allow perhaps 45 minutes to an hour if you're taking it easy. It's the sort of spot that locals know about and visitors often miss - which is exactly why it's worth the small effort to get here.