Samber Hill

Standing at 201 metres, this wooded summit gives you proper views across the southern tip of the Isle of Wight without the crowds you'll find at more famous spots. The walk up from Ventnor takes about 20 minutes through mixed woodland, and while it's a steady climb, it's nothing too taxing for anyone with reasonable fitness.

What strikes you most is how quickly you escape the seaside bustle below. The path winds through beech and oak trees, and once you reach the top, gaps in the canopy reveal sweeping views over the English Channel. On a clear day, you can spot the Needles to the west and make out the French coast.

Families with older children will find this a rewarding leg-stretcher, though little ones might struggle with the gradient. The summit itself is fairly small, so don't expect to spend hours up here - it's more of a quick conquest before heading back down.

Perfect timing would be late afternoon when the light catches the coastline just right. Being free to access year-round, it makes a decent addition to a south Wight holiday. Warren Hill Camp sits less than a mile away, making it an easy morning hike if you're staying locally. The effort-to-reward ratio is spot on - you'll feel like you've earned those views.