Tumuli

Bronze Age burial mounds dot the Hampshire countryside like ancient punctuation marks, and these particular tumuli near Southampton offer a proper glimpse into our prehistoric past. Walking among these grassy humps - some barely visible, others standing proud against the skyline - you're treading ground that's been significant for over 3,000 years.

History enthusiasts will find these earthworks fascinating, especially when you consider each mound once held the remains of someone important enough to warrant such elaborate burial. The larger examples still rise several metres above the surrounding land, testament to the engineering skills of our Bronze Age ancestors.

Families with older children who enjoy a good ramble will appreciate the easy walking, though younger ones might lose interest after twenty minutes of looking at what are essentially grass-covered hills. There's no visitor centre or interpretation boards, so bring your imagination and perhaps do a bit of homework beforehand.

These tumuli work brilliantly as part of a New Forest holiday, sitting just outside the national park boundary. Roundhill Campsite and Lepe Beach Campsite both put you within easy reach, making this an ideal stop for campers exploring the area's ancient sites. Allow an hour for a proper wander, longer if you're the type to sit and ponder the centuries that have passed since these monuments were new.