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Brean Down is a spectacular limestone peninsula that runs for 2.4km (1½ miles) out into the Bristol Channel at the western end of the Mendips. Formerly an island, it is connected to the mainland by about a 1km (900yd)-strip of salt marsh. The down is surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky foreshore, and it is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. With wide views, fascinating archaeology and absorbing geological and wildlife interest, Brean Down is unique, its value enhanced by the fact that so few people visit it.

At the extreme seaward end of the down there is Palmerston Fort, built in 1865 and then adapted and reused during World War II. This, like Brean Down itself, is now looked after by the National Trust. The great radio pioneer Marconi carried out a number of experiments here in 1897 transmitting radio signals across the Bristol Channel to and from Brean Down.

Brean Down has been inhabited for thousands of years – there are Bronze Age barrows and Iron Age field systems, as well as a Roman temple. Early Christian remains were found here. Today the down is populated by a rich diversity of wildlife. Many migrant birds make their first landfall here, including brambling, redpoll and red bunting. Among the plants are rock samphire and sea lavender, white rockrose and Somerset hair-grass. The open grassland is home to delicate chalk-blue butterflies and dark-green fritillaries.

SECRETS

While you’re there

Visit the remarkable Victorian family estate at TYNTESFIELD, Wraxall, recently restored to its former Victorian grandeur. Includes house, chapel, gardens and woodland (nationaltrust.org.uk).

Secret place to stay

WOODLANDS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL, Brent Knoll (woodlands-hotel.co.uk). 01278 760232. Just 8km (5 miles) from Brean Down, set in 1.6ha (4 acres) of gardens.

View across to Brean Down.