Waltham Hall

If you're driving through Essex near Dunmow, Waltham Hall sits quietly off the beaten path - an archaeological site that rewards a proper detour if you're into Roman Britain or Saxon settlement patterns. The site itself is modest; you're looking at earthwork remains and the actual foundations of what was once a significant Roman and later Saxon occupation. There's something rather satisfying about standing where people actually lived two thousand years ago, even if the visible remains won't blow your mind visually.

Walking the site takes maybe an hour, longer if you're the type to read every information board and contemplate the layers of history. It's suited to adults and older kids with a genuine interest in archaeology or regional history - younger children will likely find it dull pretty quickly. There's no visitor centre or café, so come prepared. The nearest proper amenities are in Dunmow itself, which is worth a wander afterwards.

If you're staying at Dairymeade Farm Glamping just two miles away, Waltham Hall makes for an excellent morning activity before lunch. It slots well into a wider Essex itinerary of Roman sites and country walks - you're in good walking territory here. Free access appears standard for archaeological sites like this, but do check locally before making the trip. Best visited on a clear day when you can actually see the landscape and understand why the Romans chose this spot.