Yarborough Monument

Climbing up to this weathered obelisk on the Isle of Wight's eastern tip feels like reaching the edge of the world. The Yarborough Monument stands 80 feet tall on Bembridge Down, erected in 1849 to commemorate Charles Pelham, the 2nd Earl of Yarborough and first commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Wind whistles around the stone tower something fierce up here.

What draws you isn't just the monument itself - it's the proper spectacular views across the Solent to Portsmouth and the mainland beyond. On clear days you can see right across to Hampshire's coastline. The walk up from Bembridge takes about 20 minutes and gets your heart pumping, but it's well worth the effort for those panoramic vistas.

Families with older children will enjoy the trek, though younger ones might find the exposed hilltop a bit much on blustery days. Dog walkers love this spot, and it's a cracking place for photographers chasing that perfect Isle of Wight sunset shot. The monument itself is fairly simple - you can't go inside - but the setting more than makes up for it.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks around Bembridge like Sandhills or St Helens Coastal Resort, this makes for a lovely morning walk before the day gets too warm. Pack a flask - the wind up here can be bitter even in summer.