Smedmore Hill

Standing 150 metres above the Purbeck Peninsula, this modest hill delivers views that completely outstrip its humble height. The walk from Kimmeridge village takes about 20 minutes through farmland and coastal scrub, with the final approach revealing sweeping panoramas across the English Channel and back towards Wareham.

Families with older children will enjoy the gentle climb, though the exposed summit can be brutal in strong winds. The reward is a proper sense of achievement and some of the finest coastal vistas in Dorset. On clear days you can spot the Needles on the Isle of Wight and the chalk cliffs of the Jurassic Coast stretching towards Weymouth.

Bird watchers often linger here during migration seasons, while dog walkers appreciate the open ground at the top. The hill forms part of the South West Coast Path, making it a natural stop for serious hikers.

Allow a couple of hours for the round trip from Kimmeridge, including time to appreciate the views. Early morning visits often yield the clearest visibility before sea mist rolls in. From nearby holiday parks like Burnbake Forest Lodges or Luckford Wood, it makes for a cracking half-day excursion that gets everyone away from screens and into proper Dorset countryside.