Torberry Hill

The walk up Torberry Hill from Petersfield takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a reasonable pace, and the views across the South Downs make every step worthwhile. It's not dramatic - you won't find sheer drops or dramatic rock formations - but on a clear day you can see right across Hampshire, and that quiet satisfaction is rather better than scrambling up some overblown tourist trap.

The summit itself is modest. There's no café, no tarmac, no crowds. Just grass, a few hardy walkers, and the kind of silence you don't get near towns anymore. History types might find the Iron Age fort intriguing, though the earthworks are subtle enough that you'll want to do a bit of reading beforehand to appreciate what you're looking at.

It works best for people who actually enjoy walking rather than those after a quick photo op. Families with teenagers will manage it fine; younger kids might grumble about the climb. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip including a sit-down at the top.

If you're staying at Adhurst Yurts nearby, this is an obvious addition to your holiday - proper countryside walking without needing to drive miles. The site itself offers outdoor skills courses, so you could easily combine a morning learning something practical with an afternoon hike. Bow Hill Farm over the border in West Sussex is equally well-placed if you're exploring the broader Downs.

Go early or late in the day to avoid the school parties from Petersfield.