Druid's Altar

A Bronze Age burial chamber on the moors above Skipton - that's what you're actually looking at when you find Druid's Altar, though the name's more romantic than the reality. It's a modest stone arrangement rather than some dramatic monument, which catches people off guard if they're expecting Stonehenge-scale drama.

The walk up is the real draw here. You're tramping across proper moorland with views across Wharfedale, and once you've found the stones themselves - they don't advertise, so you need to look - there's something genuinely moving about standing where Bronze Age people did, however modest the structure appears now. It takes maybe 30 minutes from the nearest car park, depending on your fitness and navigation skills. Bring a map or GPS.

Historically minded folk will find this worthwhile; casual day-trippers might feel short-changed after the trek. Kids get bored quickly once they've clambered on the stones. It's free, obviously - it's just sitting on the moor - and there's no official opening hours because there's nothing to open. Go when the weather allows and when you've got proper footwear.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Wood Nook or Wharfedale are both excellent and within walking distance - this makes a decent half-day adventure combined with exploring Skipton itself. Don't make it your only reason to visit the Dales, but if you're already in the area and enjoy archaeology and walking, it's worth the effort.