The Longstone

Standing stones don't get much more mysterious than this solitary granite monolith rising from the Isle of Wight countryside. The Longstone - all 14 feet of weathered rock - has been keeping its secrets for over 4,000 years, and frankly, it's not giving much away now either.

What you get is properly ancient history in its rawest form. No visitor centre, no interpretation boards, just you and a chunk of Neolithic engineering that someone thought important enough to haul here from miles away. The views across the island's rolling hills are lovely, particularly towards Newport, but whether it's worth a special trip depends on your tolerance for archaeological minimalism.

Kids might be impressed for all of five minutes before asking what's for lunch. History enthusiasts and anyone with a thing for prehistoric monuments will find it more rewarding, especially if you've got the imagination to picture Bronze Age ceremonies happening right where you're standing.

Getting there involves a decent walk across farmland - wear proper boots if it's been wet. Free to visit, naturally, though finding it can be half the challenge. It pairs well with a stay at nearby Tapnell Farm or The Orchards, both within easy driving distance and good bases for exploring the island's quieter archaeological corners.