The Octagon

Eight sides frame the Suffolk countryside in ways most viewpoints never manage. This unusual octagonal folly stands proud on a hilltop outside Beccles, offering proper panoramic views across the Waveney Valley that justify the climb. Built as a Georgian gentleman's whim, it's now a proper landmark that rewards those who make the effort to find it.

Families with older children will get the most from this spot - the walk up isn't suitable for pushchairs, and toddlers might find the steep approach a bit much. Photography enthusiasts love the unique framing opportunities the eight windows provide, each offering a different slice of rural Suffolk.

The structure itself fascinates history buffs who appreciate follies and their eccentric builders. You can walk right around it, peering through each window opening to catch glimpses of distant church spires and rolling farmland. Allow an hour including the walk up, though you could easily spend longer if the weather's clear.

It's completely free to visit, which makes it a lovely addition to a holiday based at one of the nearby parks like Broadland Sands or Pakefield Holiday Park. The location works well as a morning excursion before heading to the coast, giving families staying at Kessingland Beach or other coastal spots a taste of Suffolk's inland character.