Alfred's Tower

You'll spot it from miles away - a rust-red brick tower rising 100 feet above the Somerset countryside near Wincanton. Alfred's Tower was built in 1772 to commemorate King Alfred the Great's victories against the Vikings, and climbing the spiral staircase to the top is genuinely worth the effort. The views sweep across three counties from up there, which alone justifies the walk.

It's a proper hillside scramble to reach it, mind you. The surrounding grounds are open to roam, and there's a decent path up from the car park at Stourhead (the National Trust estate sits nearby). Budget a couple of hours if you want to take your time getting up, catching your breath at the top, and poking around the base. The tower itself isn't huge, but it's a focal point for walkers crossing the South Somerset landscape.

Historically minded visitors get the most from this one - there's something satisfying about standing where an 18th-century folly commemorates a 9th-century king. Families with decent-aged kids (say, seven upwards) will manage the climb fine, though younger ones might lose interest before reaching the summit. The tower draws a steady stream of ramblers rather than coach-loads of tourists, which keeps it feeling peaceful.

If you're based at Sunnyhill Campsite or Hadspen Glamping nearby, Alfred's Tower slots nicely into a broader walking day across the Dorset and Somerset borders. Combine it with Stourhead's lake walk and you've got a solid half-day itinerary. Admission details aren't always clear online, so ring ahead if you're planning a specific visit.