Manwar Ings

The earthwork mounds at Manwar Ings rise unexpectedly from the Lincolnshire flatlands near Boston - a proper archaeological site rather than a storybook castle. What you're actually looking at are medieval defensive ditches and ramparts from the 12th century, remnants of a motte-and-bailey fortress that once commanded this corner of the Fens. The site itself is free to visit and takes about half an hour to walk around, though there's little interpretation on the ground, so you'll want to do your homework beforehand.

It's really a spot for history enthusiasts and anyone with a keen eye for landscape archaeology. Kids might find the mounds fun to clamber over for ten minutes, but it's not going to hold their attention for long - there's no visitor centre, no tea room, nothing cosied up about it. What makes it worthwhile is the context: you're standing in a place that actually mattered eight centuries ago, looking at genuine medieval engineering. The isolation and quietness of the site feel authentic rather than engineered for tourists.

If you're staying at Orchard Holiday Park or Appletree Holiday Park - both within a couple of miles - it's worth a morning walk to add some cultural substance to your break. Big Sky Hideaway, the five-star glamping spot a bit further out, would suit someone keen to combine outdoor comfort with serious local history. Visit outside school holidays to avoid the flat terrain becoming packed.