South Hill

Rolling Gloucestershire countryside stretches in every direction from this modest but thoroughly rewarding summit. South Hill won't have you gasping for breath - at just over 200 metres, it's more of a gentle ramble than a proper hike - but the panoramic views across the Cotswolds make it well worth the effort.

Families will find this an easy win. The paths are well-maintained and suitable for older children, though pushchairs might struggle on the steeper sections near the top. Allow about an hour for the round trip from Cheltenham, including time to properly appreciate the vista.

What strikes you most is how green everything looks from up here. On clear days you can pick out the spire of Gloucester Cathedral in the distance, while closer to hand the patchwork of fields and hedgerows creates that quintessentially English landscape that looks like it's been lifted from a biscuit tin.

Best visited in late afternoon when the light catches the rolling hills just right. Early morning works too, though you'll likely have the dew-soaked grass to contend with. It's free to access year-round, naturally.

For those staying at one of the nearby sites like Star Glamping or Big Skies Cotswold Glamping, this makes a lovely gentle start to exploring the area's walking opportunities before tackling something more ambitious in the Cotswolds proper.