Cabot Tower, Bristol

Rising from the summit of Brandon Hill, this famous landmark was built in 1897 to commemorate the fourth centenary of John Cabot's epic voyage of discovery to North America. The spiral stairs of this 105-foot tower climb to around 350 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city center and surrounding countryside. The hill is also the site of a Nature Park which includes woodland, a butterfly garden, meadow, pond and Wildlife Trust Center. Look out too for the remains of a Civil War hillfort, built to defend the north-west flank of Bristol against the Royalists during the siege of 1643. And don't forget to feed the extremely tame squirrels! There is no disabled access to the tower, but many of the park's paths are wheelchair accessible.