The Obelisk

Standing 160 feet tall on Cley Hill, this striking stone monument commands the skyline between Warminster and Frome. Built in 1783 to commemorate the peace with America, the obelisk marks one of Wiltshire's finest viewpoints - on clear days you can see across three counties from up here.

The walk to reach it is half the appeal. Park at the base of Cley Hill and follow the well-worn chalk path that winds upward through ancient earthworks. It's a proper climb that gets the heart pumping, but manageable for most families with older children. Little ones might struggle with the steeper sections.

History buffs will appreciate the layers of the past scattered across this hilltop - Bronze Age burial mounds dot the landscape, while the hill fort's earthen ramparts are still clearly visible after 2,000 years. The obelisk itself feels almost modern by comparison.

From a holiday base at Center Parcs Longleat Forest or any of the sites around Warminster, it makes for a cracking morning out. Allow two hours for the round trip including time to admire the views and catch your breath. Early morning visits reward you with fewer crowds and often clearer visibility across the Somerset Levels. The monument stands open to the elements year-round, though winter visits can be properly windswept up there.