Sutton Down

The walk up Sutton Down rewards you with views that stretch across Wiltshire's chalk downland in ways that properly justify the leg work. It's not a dramatic peak - this is England, after all - but the 300-odd metres of elevation gives you enough height to see why this landscape has captivated people for centuries.

You're looking out over rolling grassland that dips and rises like a frozen sea, with Salisbury Cathedral visible on clear days if you know where to look. The down itself is open access land, so there's no faffing about with gates or paying fees. The walk from nearby Chalke Valley is straightforward enough for most fitness levels, though the final stretch gets a bit steep depending on your route.

Walkers will find this genuinely worthwhile - the paths are well-maintained and the views change as you gain height. Families with older kids (eight upwards) will manage fine; younger ones might find the ascent tedious. History types will appreciate that you're walking Iron Age trackways, though there's not much visible archaeology to point at once you're up there.

Allow a couple of hours if you're making an afternoon of it, including time to sit about at the top and actually look at the view rather than just ticking the box. Early morning or late afternoon light transforms the whole experience.

If you're camping at Chalke Valley or Marshwood Farm, this makes a proper day out without needing to drive anywhere. Combine it with a visit to Salisbury town itself and you've got a solid itinerary.