St Catherine's Oratory (The Pepperpot)

That stubby stone tower perched on St Catherine's Down looks like someone's dropped a giant pepper mill on the hill - hence the nickname that's stuck for centuries. St Catherine's Oratory stands 35 feet tall, built around 1328 as a lighthouse to guide ships safely past the treacherous Atherfield Ledge below.

Climbing up from Ventnor takes about 45 minutes through rolling downland, but the views from the top are properly spectacular. On a clear day you can see right across the Solent to the New Forest and down the island's southern coastline. The tower itself is fairly basic - just four walls and not much else - but it's the journey and the setting that make it worthwhile.

Walkers and history enthusiasts will get the most from this one. Families with older kids who don't mind a decent hike will enjoy it too, though little ones might struggle with the climb. The oratory sits on the island's highest accessible point, so expect it to be breezy even on calm days.

It pairs well with a stay at nearby holiday parks like Appuldurcombe Gardens or Parkdean's Lower Hyde site. Both put you within easy reach of the southern downs and Ventnor's Victorian seafront below. Free to visit and always open, though check the weather - there's precious little shelter up there when the wind picks up.