Earthworks

The earthworks here are what remains of a Roman fort, and unless you know what you're looking at, you'll walk straight past them. That's partly the appeal - this isn't a sanitised heritage site with interpretation boards and a gift shop. What you get instead is the actual ground, slightly raised and dipped in places, where soldiers once stood guard nearly two thousand years ago.

It's near Bishop Auckland, which makes it a natural add-on if you're staying at one of the local caravan parks like Cragwood or Stag Park, both within walking distance. The earthworks themselves are free to visit and take about twenty minutes to properly explore, though you'll need to use your imagination a bit. There's no visitor centre, no one taking your money at the gate. Just archaeology in the rough.

Histor y types will find this genuinely interesting - you're standing on the actual ramparts of a Roman installation. Families with young children might find it a bit abstract; unless your kids are already keen on Roman Britain, they'll probably ask "where's the castle?" within five minutes. Walkers will appreciate the setting, particularly if you combine it with other sites in the area.

Go when the ground isn't waterlogged, ideally on a clear day when you can actually see the contours properly. It's not flashy, but if you're already in Bishop Auckland for a holiday park break, it's well worth the detour.