Shute Shelve Hill

Standing 217 metres above sea level, this limestone outcrop offers one of the finest panoramic views across the Somerset Levels without the crowds that swarm nearby Cheddar Gorge. The summit sits just outside Winscombe, making it a proper local's secret that most tourists miss entirely.

Walkers will find the climb reasonably gentle - it's more of a steady trudge than a lung-busting scramble. From the top, the view stretches across the patchwork fields of the Levels towards Glastonbury Tor on a clear day. Worth bringing a flask and taking your time up here.

Families with older children will manage the walk fine, though toddlers might struggle with the uneven ground near the summit. Dog owners love this spot - plenty of space for a proper run around once you reach the top.

The hill forms part of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it's free to explore whenever you fancy. Early morning or late afternoon light makes for the best photography, when the mist often clings to the Levels below. Allow about an hour for the round trip from Winscombe.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Cheddar Woods Resort or Mendip Basecamp, this makes a lovely alternative to the tourist traps. Less dramatic than the gorge perhaps, but infinitely more peaceful.