Rams Down

Standing 120 metres above the Hampshire-Dorset border, this modest chalk downland rise offers surprisingly good views across Christchurch and the New Forest without the crowds you'd find at more famous viewpoints. The walk up from the car park takes about twenty minutes through gorse and heathland, and while it's not exactly Everest, it's steep enough to get the heart pumping.

Families with older children will enjoy the scramble to the top, though pushchairs are definitely out of the question on the rough paths. The real reward comes at the summit - on clear days you can see right across to the Isle of Wight and down the Solent. Dog walkers love this spot, and the open access land means you can wander freely.

It's free to explore and makes a decent half-day outing if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Oakdene Forest Park or Forest Edge Holiday Park. The downside? Parking can be tricky on busy weekends, and there are no facilities whatsoever - not even a bench at the top. Come early in the morning for the best light and fewer people, and don't expect to be blown away. It's a pleasant enough walk with decent views, but hardly worth a special journey unless you're already in the area.