Wroxall Down

Standing at 240 metres, this windswept chalk down offers proper views across the southern Isle of Wight without the crowds you'll find at the Needles. The walk up from Ventnor takes about 45 minutes through farmland and scrubland - nothing too taxing, though it can get muddy after rain.

From the summit, you can see right across to the mainland on clear days, with Ventnor spread out below and the English Channel stretching to the horizon. It's particularly lovely at sunset when the light catches the white cliffs. The area feels genuinely wild compared to the island's busier spots.

Walkers and dog owners get the most from Wroxall Down, though families with older children who don't mind a proper hike will enjoy it too. There's no formal path to the top, so you'll need decent shoes and a sense of direction. Allow half a day if you're walking from Ventnor, or park near Wroxall village to cut the journey short.

This works well as a day out from any of the nearby holiday parks - Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park is barely a mile away, making it an easy morning expedition before lunch. Just don't expect facilities up there; bring water and snacks.