Hampton Down Stone Circle

A handful of weathered stones standing on open Dorset downland - that's Hampton Down Stone Circle, and honestly, it's one of those places you'll walk straight past if you're not paying attention. Located a few miles inland from Weymouth, this Bronze Age monument consists of just a few surviving uprights arranged in what was once a proper circle, though time and farming have done their damage. The site sits on exposed moorland with decent views across the countryside, which is about half the appeal.

It's free to visit and you can rock up anytime - there are no opening hours or admission fees to worry about. Allow twenty minutes if you're just popping over, longer if you're into archaeology and want to stand around pondering Bronze Age ritual practices. The walk from the nearest car park is straightforward enough, though the final approach can be muddy depending on the season.

History enthusiasts will get the most from this one. Families with younger kids might find it a bit underwhelming - there's not much to do once you've looked at the stones and taken a photo. Walkers using the Dorset downland paths will stumble across it naturally and appreciate the spot as a break in a longer ramble.

If you're staying at one of the nearby touring parks like Bagwell Farm or East Fleet Farm, it's worth a quick detour as part of exploring the area around Weymouth. Don't expect dramatic ruins or visitor facilities - this is archaeology in the raw, and that's precisely what makes it worthwhile.