St Patrick's Day

St Patrick's Day sits just outside Milton Keynes, a modest historic site that rewards a quick detour if you're already camping in the area. The site marks the location of a 17th-century settlement, though what remains today is largely archaeological - think earthworks and foundations rather than dramatic ruins. You'll need to do some interpretive work yourself, reading the landscape rather than following a guided trail. The spot itself is peaceful enough, tucked away from the town bustle, and makes sense as a break during a longer walk around the Northamptonshire countryside. Walkers and history buffs will get more from it than families after an afternoon's entertainment. Allow 20 minutes tops unless you're genuinely into Saxon archaeology or the period itself grabs you. It's free to visit, naturally, since there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of. The appeal depends entirely on your tolerance for quiet, unembellished history. If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Gullivers or Adventurer's Village are practically on the doorstep, less than a mile away - it's worth popping over on an evening walk. But it's not worth plotting a special trip from Milton Keynes town centre unless you're combining it with other sites in the area. Best visited outside school holidays when the surrounding parks are less crowded, though that hardly matters here since the site itself sees few visitors at all.