Moated Site at Low Butterby Farm

Low Butterby Farm, a few miles outside Durham, harbours the earthwork remains of a medieval moated site - the kind of place that rewards a bit of detective work on foot. What you're looking at is a defensive homestead from centuries past, marked by the distinctive ditch-and-bank pattern that once surrounded a dwelling. It's archaeology written into the landscape rather than displayed in a museum, which means you need to use your imagination a bit.

This is squarely for history enthusiasts and walkers who enjoy piecing together the story of the land. Children might find it underwhelming unless they're already keen on medieval life - there's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards, just the earthwork itself. Best to go armed with some knowledge or a decent guidebook.

Access appears to be open, though facilities and formal opening hours don't seem to exist. It's the kind of site you stumble upon during a longer walk rather than make a special trip for. If you're based at Grove Farm or one of the closer caravan parks near Durham, it's worth incorporating into a ramble around the area. The wider Durham landscape has plenty to offer - Finchale Abbey sits just a few miles away and tells a more complete story of medieval settlement.

Allow an hour or so to explore properly and soak in the surroundings. Go after rain if you can; the earthworks show up much more clearly when the grass is wet and the shadows deepen the ditches.