Piper House ruins

Stone foundations and crumbling walls are all that remain of this former lead miner's cottage, perched on the edge of the Peak District moorland near Sheffield. The ruins tell the story of 18th and 19th century mining life in these hills, though you'll need imagination to picture families once calling this remote spot home. What's left isn't much - a few low walls marking out rooms, the odd doorway frame - but the setting is properly wild. The ruins sit in splendid isolation with sweeping views across the Dark Peak, making the short walk from the nearest parking spot well worth it for the atmosphere alone. History buffs will appreciate the industrial heritage angle, while walkers often use it as a waypoint on longer moorland routes. Kids might find the scattered stones a bit underwhelming after ten minutes, unless they're the type who enjoy scrambling about and creating their own adventures. Best combined with a longer ramble across the moors rather than treated as a destination in its own right. The location puts you within striking distance of several campsites including North Lees and Fox Hagg Farm, making it an easy addition to a Peak District camping trip. Go on a clear day when the views stretch for miles - in typical Peak District mist, you'll see precious little beyond the ruins themselves.