Rushenden Hill

The highest point on the Isle of Sheppey isn't much to look at, if we're being honest. Rushenden Hill sits roughly 43 metres above sea level - barely a bump by most standards - but it's the kind of place that rewards the small effort required to get there. From Sheerness, it's a straightforward drive inland, and once you've scrambled up (it takes minutes, not hours), the view across the marshes and towards the Thames estuary actually opens up rather nicely. On a clear day, the flatness of Kent becomes almost meditative. You're not climbing for drama here; you're climbing for perspective.

Walkers will find it worth the detour between beach visits, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Sheerness Holiday Park or Haven Kent Coast just down the road. The walk itself is gentle, nothing that'll tire out younger kids, though there's not a great deal to do once you've reached the top beyond taking in the views and turning back. It's the kind of spot that makes sense as part of a broader exploration of Sheppey rather than a destination in itself.

Practically speaking, access appears to be free and unrestricted, though there's precious little in the way of facilities up there. Go early or late to avoid the midday glare off the water, and bring a decent pair of shoes - the ground can be boggy depending on the season. Twenty minutes there and back, including time to stand about and enjoy the quiet. It slots neatly into a Sheppey holiday without requiring any real planning.