Watermans Field

The walk up to Watermans Field rewards you with proper sweeping views across the Test Valley - it's one of those spots where you suddenly understand why people move to Hampshire. The peak itself is modest in height but the surrounding downland rolls out in all directions, chalk grassland punctuated by copses and the occasional farm track snaking through the distance.

It's worth doing this on foot from Stockbridge itself. The town sits right at the foot of the downs and you're talking a decent walk - bring proper shoes because the terrain gets chalky and can be slippery when wet. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it steady and want to sit about enjoying the view rather than just bagging the summit.

Families with older kids will manage fine here. Younger children might find the climb tedious, though the payoff is genuine. Walkers absolutely should include this on a loop route - there are cracking paths all around this part of the Test Valley. History types won't find anything dramatic at the top itself, but the landscape tells you everything about how these valleys have been shaped and farmed for centuries.

If you're staying at Stockbridge View or The Meadow Glamping, this makes an ideal morning outing before heading back for lunch. Both parks are close enough that you could knock this out and still have the afternoon free. It's free to visit, obviously. Go on a clear day - on misty mornings you're just walking into fog.