Williamson's Monument

A stone pyramid perched on a hilltop near Kendal catches your eye from miles around - this is Williamson's Monument, a proper oddity in the Cumbrian landscape. Built in 1840 to honour local politician John Williamson, it stands 50 feet tall and looks rather like someone plonked an Egyptian monument in the middle of a sheep field.

The walk up Scout Scar to reach it is half the appeal. It's a decent scramble through limestone countryside with cracking views back towards Kendal and across to the Howgill Fells. Takes about 45 minutes from the town centre if you're reasonably fit.

History buffs will appreciate the monument's backstory - Williamson was apparently a radical MP who championed workers' rights, though locals seem more interested in the panoramic views than the politics. Families with older children will manage the climb easily enough, though toddlers might find it a bit much.

The monument itself is fairly basic inside - just a small chamber with a plaque - but the real reward is standing next to this bizarre tower with half of southern Lakeland spread out below you. Free to visit whenever you fancy, though winter afternoons can be properly bleak up there.

If you're staying at any of the Windermere holiday parks like White Cross Bay or Fallbarrow, it makes a good half-day excursion when you want something different from the usual lake activities.