Iron Age Hill Fort

Climbing up to this Iron Age fort on the Devon slopes near Newton Abbot, you're walking in the footsteps of people who chose this hilltop for very deliberate reasons. The earthworks are still clearly visible - concentric banks and ditches that would have been formidable obstacles centuries ago. From up here, the views across the landscape are proper rewarding, and you can see why ancient communities valued the vantage point.

It's a straightforward walk, nothing technical, though the ground can be boggy after rain. Most people spend forty minutes to an hour poking around the ramparts and taking in the surroundings. History enthusiasts will find themselves piecing together how this settlement functioned - the layout tells its own story if you're paying attention. Kids might get distracted by the climbing and the open space before the historical significance clicks.

Getting there is free, naturally - it's an ancient monument. No facilities at the site itself, so bring water if you're making an afternoon of it. Worth timing your visit for decent weather; a grey drizzly day flattens the whole experience.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Oakmoor Touring Park is closest at just over two miles, or there's a clutch of family-friendly options like Cofton Holidays and Lady's Mile a bit further out - this makes a decent half-day detour. Doesn't warrant a special trip on its own, but combine it with exploring the Newton Abbot area and it adds substance to a morning's wandering.