Thompson's Castle

Thompson's Castle isn't actually a castle in the traditional sense - it's a Bronze Age hill fort sitting on high ground near Ringwood, and the view from up here is properly worth the leg work. You're looking out across the New Forest borderlands, with Wiltshire stretching away in all directions. On a clear day you can make out quite far.

The walk up takes twenty minutes or so depending on your fitness. It's a steady climb rather than a scramble, and the path is usually clear enough. Once you're up top, you get a real sense of why someone chose this spot three thousand years ago - commanding views, defensible position, the lot. There are faint earthwork remains if you know what you're looking for, though nothing dramatic.

Walkers and history types will find their money's worth here. Families with young kids might manage it, but there's not a huge amount to do once you've reached the summit beyond looking around and having a picnic. The nearest town, Ringwood, is close by and makes a logical base for exploring the area.

If you're camping in the vicinity - Ocknell or Longbeech are both within a few miles - this works nicely as a morning walk before heading to the New Forest proper. Free to visit, no facilities on site, so bring water. The ground can get muddy after rain, so proper boots are essential rather than optional.