Hengistbury Head is a place of wild, ancient beauty and a stark lesson in conservation. For over 12,000 years, this headland has witnessed human activity, but its most dramatic scars are from the Victorian era. Between 1848 and 1870, industrial quarrying stripped the protective ironstone from its cliffs, causing the loss of a third of the land to the sea in just decades. Today, it’s a meticulously protected mosaic of heathland, grassland and coastline — an internationally significant Site of Special Scientific Interest where adders, skylarks and rare natterjack toads find refuge. Your first stop should be the Visitor Centre, where you can pick up a trail leaflet and learn to read the landscape’s hidden clues, from its deep archaeology to the ongoing work of the rangers who balance public access with preservation. For your visit, wear good shoes and prepare for spectacular, sweeping views over Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth Bay and the Isle of Wight. You have two distinct experiences here: the rugged south-facing pebble beach beneath imposing clay cliffs, and the soft, sandy expanse of Mudeford Spit, famously lined with colourful beach huts. Hop on the charming land train from the Hiker Café for a gentle ride to the spit, where you can enjoy a café and more facilities.

The Jama Masjid was built by the Islamic ruler Shah Jahan to complement his new Red Fort. Completed in 1658 as the largest mosque in India, it boasts a stunning courtyard that provides space for 25,000 worshipers as well as a vast dome and two minarets.

An idyllic escapade in the city centre, the park is a green oasis gifted with some stunning constructions dating back to the 15th century, wonderful tombs mosques and elegant bridges. The great contrast with the bustling city is a welcome change, offering a perfect solution for a relaxing stroll.