Colourfields Panopticon

The Colourfields Panopticon is a proper odd one - a circular viewing platform that sits above the Lancashire landscape like some kind of Victorian folly, except it's far more recent than that. Built on high ground above Blackburn, it's the sort of place that makes you stop mid-walk and think, what on earth is this doing here? The point of it, really, is the views. On a clear day you can see proper distance across the moorland, and the circular design means you're constantly turning, constantly spotting something new on the horizon.

It's worth the trip if you're into landscape photography or just fancy a different vantage point over the Pennines. The walk up takes maybe twenty minutes depending on where you park, so it's not a massive undertaking. Don't expect crowds - this isn't one of those Instagram-famous spots that's heaving with visitors, which is part of its charm. Families with older kids will get something out of it; younger ones might find the views less interesting than you'd hope.

If you're staying at Northwood Caravan & Holiday Park just down the road, or exploring the area around Wigwam Holidays Ribble Valley or Dale Hey Farm, this makes a decent half-hour detour on a walk. Free to visit, no facilities to speak of, so bring water. Best avoided on properly miserable weather days when you literally can't see your hand in front of your face.