Gibbet Hill

Standing on this windswept mound near Northwich, you get a proper sense of how justice worked centuries ago. Gibbet Hill is an archaeological site where criminals met their grisly end, their bodies left hanging as a warning to others passing through this part of Cheshire. The hill itself offers decent views across the surrounding countryside, though don't expect any dramatic interpretation boards or visitor facilities - this is archaeology in the raw.

History buffs will appreciate the dark significance of the spot, while families might find it a bit grim for younger children. The walk up is straightforward enough, and you can easily combine it with a visit to nearby Delamere Forest for a more rounded day out. Access appears to be free, as you'd expect for an open hillside site.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Northwich - Blakemere Holiday Park is just a short drive away - it makes for an interesting detour rather than a destination in itself. Allow about half an hour to walk up, take in the views, and ponder the site's macabre history. The hill works well as part of exploring this corner of Cheshire, though it's hardly worth a special journey unless you're particularly keen on medieval justice or archaeological sites.