National Trust - Ventnor Downs

The downs themselves stretch across the southern spine of the Isle of Wight, offering proper walking country with views that justify the hype. You're on open, rolling grassland with the English Channel laid out below - it's the kind of place where you understand why people banged on about chalk downland before everyone moved to cities.

Most visitors come for the walking. The terrain is gentle enough for families but engaging enough that you won't feel like you're trudging through a park. On a clear day the views reach across to the Needles, and on hazy afternoons you get something more atmospheric - mist rolling across the downs, that kind of thing. Near Shanklin the access is straightforward, and it's worth allowing a couple of hours minimum if you actually want to enjoy it rather than just posting a photo and moving on.

The National Trust manages the land, which means the paths are maintained and you're not dodging broken stiles. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so bring water and a packed lunch if you're planning a proper outing. Free to access, which is refreshing.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Isle of Wight Coastal Park is barely two miles away - the downs make an obvious day out. Better than sitting around caravan parks waiting for weather. Walkers and outdoor types will get the most from it; younger kids might find it a bit samey after an hour unless you make a game of it.