Beelow Hill

Climbing 370 metres above the Staffordshire countryside, this modest peak delivers surprisingly good views across the Churnet Valley without demanding serious hiking boots. The summit sits just outside Alton village, making it a proper little challenge for families staying at nearby parks like The Star Camping site or Secret Cloud House Holidays.

Walkers will find the ascent well worth the effort - the panorama takes in rolling farmland stretching towards Stoke-on-Trent and beyond. It's not Snowdon, but for a quick morning stretch of the legs, Beelow Hill does the job nicely. The footpaths are generally well-maintained, though they can get muddy after rain.

Families with older children will manage the climb easily enough, though toddlers might struggle with the steeper sections. Allow about an hour return trip from most starting points. The hill works perfectly as part of a day exploring the area around Alton Towers - a good way to burn off energy before or after theme park mayhem.

Being open countryside, there's no admission fee and you can tackle it any time of year, though winter can be pretty bleak up there. Early morning or late afternoon light shows off the landscape at its best.