Woodbury Hill

The walk up Woodbury Hill takes you through proper Dorset countryside, just a couple of miles south of Wareham. It's not a massive climb - the hill itself rises to around 200 metres - but the views across the Dorset heathland once you reach the top make it worth the effort. On a clear day you can see for miles, rolling heath giving way to distant ridgelines. There's an Iron Age hill fort up there too, though the earthworks are subtle enough that you might miss them if you're not paying attention.

This is one for walkers and history types rather than casual strollers. The path can be muddy and the terrain's uneven in places, so decent boots help. Allow a good hour to get up and back down comfortably, longer if you want to sit about and soak in the views. It's free to visit, naturally - just park nearby and get on with it.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks near Wareham - Wareham Forest Tourist Park is closest at under three miles away - this makes an excellent afternoon outing. It's the sort of walk that clears your head after being parked up, and you're back in time for tea. Summer weekends can get a bit busy with locals, so weekday visits tend to feel less crowded. The heathland itself is special; it's what makes this corner of Dorset distinctive, and Woodbury Hill gives you a proper vantage point to appreciate why.