Longthorpe II

The Roman fort at Longthorpe sits just outside Peterborough, though you won't find much to photograph on arrival - most of what matters here is beneath your feet. This was a military installation from around 43-61 AD, garrison post for the Roman occupation, and excavations in the 1960s turned up the sort of finds that matter to archaeologists: pottery, coins, tools, the everyday detritus of soldiers stationed at the empire's edge.

It's genuinely worth a visit if you're into Roman Britain, less rewarding if you expect ramparts or standing structures. The site itself is fairly open and sparse - you're reading the landscape as much as looking at it. The nearby museum in Peterborough has much of the actual material, so do that first to give context to what you're standing on.

History enthusiasts and serious walkers will find it valuable; young children might struggle with the lack of visible remains unless they're already keen on Romans. Allow 30-45 minutes, longer if you're the type to linger and imagine. It's free to access and works well as part of a broader Roman trail around the Peterborough area.

The campsite situation is excellent - Ferry Meadows is barely a mile away and highly rated, so you could base yourself there for a few days exploring the wider region. Combine it with the Nene Valley Railway or Ferry Meadows Park itself if you're after variety. Go midweek if possible to avoid any weekend tramping.