West Hill

Standing 175 metres above sea level, this modest Dorset peak delivers proper views across Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills without the crowds you'll find at more famous viewpoints. The climb from Wareham takes about 30 minutes through heathland that's lovely in late summer when the heather's out.

Walkers and families with older children will get the most from West Hill. The paths are well-defined but can get muddy after rain, so decent boots are worth bringing. From the summit, you can spot Brownsea Island on clear days and trace the Wareham channel snaking through the marshes below.

It's free to explore and makes a cracking half-day walk if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Norden Farm or the Haven sites around Weymouth Bay. The hill works well combined with a trip into Wareham itself - the town's Saxon walls and quayside pubs are worth an hour or two.

Best visited early morning or late afternoon when the light's at its most dramatic across the water. Kids under eight might find the walk a bit much, but there's enough wildlife spotting to keep most entertained. The whole circuit takes around two hours if you're not rushing, and the views back towards Corfe Castle on the return leg are rather special.