Old Winchester Hill

The walk up Old Winchester Hill from Waterlooville takes about twenty minutes, and you're rewarded with proper views across the Hampshire countryside once you reach the summit. What you're standing on is an Iron Age hill fort - the ramparts are still visible if you know what you're looking at, creating a distinctive terraced appearance on the slopes. On a clear day the vista stretches far enough to feel properly isolated, despite being within spitting distance of suburbia.

It's a straightforward outing for families with reasonably fit kids, though the final push is a touch steep. The whole thing takes maybe an hour if you dawdle and let them scramble about the earthworks. History buffs will find the site interesting enough, though there's not much interpretation on the ground - you'll want to read up beforehand or bring a guidebook. The National Trust manages the land, and access is free.

If you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Wallops Wood and Cedar Valley are closest, both within three miles - this makes for a decent morning activity before heading somewhere else. It's not a destination in itself, but it's worth the detour if you're already in the area. The walk itself is pleasant, the views genuine, and there's something satisfying about standing on a 2,000-year-old fortress while the modern world quietly carries on below.