Lead Kilns

The Lead Kilns sit tucked into the Northumberland landscape near Hexham, and they're genuinely worth seeking out if you've got an interest in industrial history. What you're looking at is the physical evidence of lead smelting operations that ran here centuries ago - the kilns themselves are substantial stone structures that've somehow survived the elements. Walking around them, you get a proper sense of the scale these Victorian miners and smelters worked at.

They're best suited to history enthusiasts and walkers rather than young kids, though teenagers who aren't glued to their phones might find it interesting. There's no formal visitor centre or facilities, so it's very much a case of turning up and having a look around at your own pace. Bring good shoes; the ground's uneven and boggy in places.

If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping sites - Langley Dam or Panoramic Pods are close by - you can easily work this into a day's walking. It pairs well with exploring the broader Northumberland heritage trail and the Roman history of the region. Give yourself an hour here, longer if you're taking photographs or really studying the stonework. The views across the valley aren't spectacular, but there's something quietly compelling about standing among these old structures and imagining the noise and smoke that once filled this spot.