Alcove Seat

Carved into the limestone face of the Mendip Hills, this stone bench offers one of the finest views across the Somerset Levels without the crowds that plague more famous viewpoints. The seat sits at a perfect spot for catching your breath after the climb from Winscombe below, with the flat expanse of the Levels stretching endlessly toward Glastonbury Tor on clear days.

Walkers will appreciate this as a proper reward for the effort - it's not a gentle stroll but well worth the leg work. The view takes in a patchwork of fields, drainage channels and scattered villages that tells the story of this ancient landscape better than any guidebook. Families with older children who don't mind a bit of uphill walking will find it manageable, though toddlers might struggle with the rocky path.

Best visited on a crisp morning when the light catches the water channels below, or late afternoon when the setting sun paints everything golden. Allow an hour return from Winscombe village, longer if you want to sit and properly take in the panorama. It's free, naturally, and accessible year-round though the path can get slippery in wet weather. Perfect for breaking up a stay at nearby Cheddar Woods Resort or any of the family parks scattered around this corner of Somerset.