Kings Hill

The walk up Kings Hill rewards you with proper views across Hampshire's rolling countryside. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing like the Lake District - but on a clear day you can see for miles from the top, which sits just outside Alton. The summit itself is modest, crowned with trees rather than a dramatic cairn, but that's rather the point. This is the south of England doing what it does best: gentle, accessible walking without the crowds you'd find at more famous spots.

The climb takes about 20 minutes from the nearest parking, and most families manage it without complaint. The path is straightforward, though it can get muddy after rain, so proper footwear matters. Once up there, you'll find a small clearing where people tend to linger with a flask and sandwiches. Walkers and countryside types will appreciate it more than thrill-seekers - there's no scramble or technical bit, just a steady trudge through pleasant woodland.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Wigwam Holidays or Feather Down Manor Farm are both within spitting distance - it's a cracking spot for a morning outing before heading to lunch in Alton. Don't expect a cafe or facilities at the top; come prepared. It's free to visit and you can turn up whenever you like. Best visited on a day with decent visibility; a grey, misty afternoon drains most of the appeal. Realistically, allow an hour for the full walk and a sit-down, then move on to something else.