White Pillar

Climbing up through the bracken and gorse above Swansea's eastern suburbs, the white-painted monument appears suddenly against the skyline - a Victorian folly that's become something of a local landmark. The White Pillar stands roughly 20 feet tall on its hillside perch, offering cracking views across Swansea Bay when the Welsh weather cooperates.

Built in the 1850s to commemorate something long forgotten by most locals, it's the walk up that provides the real reward rather than the pillar itself. The panorama stretches from the city centre below to the Gower Peninsula beyond, with the Bristol Channel shimmering in the distance on clear days. Takes about 20 minutes to reach from the nearest car parking spots.

Families with older children will enjoy the moderate hike, though toddlers might struggle with the uneven terrain. Dog walkers frequent the area, and it's free to visit whenever you fancy the climb. The path can get muddy after rain, so proper footwear is essential.

If you're staying at one of the nearby sites like Gower Holiday Village or Bank Farm Leisure, it makes for a decent morning or evening stroll when you want to stretch your legs. Not exactly a day out in itself, but a pleasant enough diversion that gives you bragging rights about 'bagging' a local summit.