Wellington Monument

This tall obelisk sits on the edge of Wellington, a small market town south of Taunton, and it's impossible to miss. Built in the 1800s to honour Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, the monument dominates the skyline for miles around. The walk up to it takes about 20 minutes from the town centre - nothing strenuous, but you'll feel it in your legs if you're not used to hills.

Once you reach the base, the views across the Somerset Levels towards the Quantock Hills are genuinely worth the effort. On a clear day you can see for miles. The monument itself is closed to the public, so you can't climb inside, but the surrounding parkland is free to wander and there are benches if you want to sit and take in the landscape.

Historybuffs will appreciate the local connection - Wellington the town and the monument celebrate a genuine Somerset hero, even if his actual battles happened elsewhere. It's the kind of place where you spend an hour rather than a day, but it pairs well with exploring Wellington town itself, which has decent shops and cafes. If you're staying at Holly Bush Caravan Park just up the road, it's an easy afternoon activity that fills a gap between bigger attractions.

Go early morning or late afternoon to dodge the wind that can whip across the hilltop. The light's better then anyway.