Upavon Hill

The walk up Upavon Hill rewards you with proper views across the Marlborough Downs - the sort of rolling chalk landscape that makes you understand why people live out here. It's not dramatic or particularly high, but on a clear day you can see for miles across Wiltshire's countryside, and that's the whole appeal.

The climb itself is straightforward, taking about forty minutes from the village of Upavon at a leisurely pace. The path is well-trodden and mostly gradual, which means families with older kids will manage it fine without complaint. Younger children might find it a bit of a slog, though the summit views do make it worthwhile once you get there. It's the sort of hill that's better for the walk than any specific attraction at the top - there's no café, no visitor centre, no bronze age barrow to examine up close. You get to the top, take in the vista, maybe have a sit-down, and head back.

Timing-wise, allow a couple of hours for the full outing including a breather at the top. Go in late afternoon if you want decent light for photos. Spring and early autumn beat summer when the grass gets long and scratchy.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Hillview Park or Little Owls Camping are both close - this makes a decent half-day excursion without requiring a car journey. Marlborough itself is worth a wander afterwards for lunch or a poke around the High Street. The walk pairs well with exploring more of the Downs if you've got the energy.