The Cliff

Standing at this dramatic viewpoint just outside Gloucester, you get the sort of sweeping vista that makes you forget you're only minutes from the M5. The Cliff delivers exactly what its no-nonsense name promises - a proper elevated perch looking out across the Severn Vale.

Walkers will appreciate the relatively easy access, though the final approach does get your heart pumping a bit. From the top, the patchwork of fields stretches away towards the Forest of Dean, with the Severn snaking through the distance on a clear day. It's the kind of spot that rewards early morning visits when the mist still clings to the valley floor.

Families with older children will find it manageable, though toddlers might struggle with the uneven terrain near the edge. The view changes dramatically with the seasons - autumn colours are particularly striking, while winter offers that crisp clarity you rarely get in summer.

For those staying at nearby sites like Court Farm Camping or Briarfields Touring Caravan Park, it makes a decent half-day expedition combined with a walk along the escarpment. Allow an hour or two if you're planning to linger and actually take in the scenery rather than just snap a quick photo.