Harnham Hill

The walk up Harnham Hill rewards you with proper views over Salisbury and the surrounding chalk downland - the sort of vistas that make you understand why this corner of Wiltshire has been settled for thousands of years. It's not a dramatic peak by any stretch, but on a clear day you can see right across to the cathedral spire and beyond. The climb itself takes about twenty minutes from the town, which makes it accessible without being trivial.

This is one for walkers and history buffs rather than thrill-seekers. The hill itself has Bronze Age earthworks if you know what you're looking at, though you'll need to do your homework first to spot them. Families with younger kids might find it a bit steep for the effort, but teenagers who enjoy a gentle hike will get something out of it. Come mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday glare and catch the light properly.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Salisbury Campsite at Bake Farm is closest at just over a mile away - this works nicely as a morning walk before exploring the cathedral or heading out to explore the wider downland. The hill gives you your bearings for the area in a way that maps never quite do. Free to visit, naturally. Allow an hour round trip if you're not rushing, longer if you stop to sit about and take in the view. Worth the legs if you're in Salisbury anyway; not worth planning a trip around, but a solid addition to a wider exploration of the town and its surroundings.