Barnack Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve

The landscape around Barnack tells the story of medieval stone extraction in the most physical way possible. What you're walking through is essentially a giant quarry that's been reclaimed by nature - hillocks and hollows where medieval masons once dug out the limestone that built half of England's cathedrals and abbeys. It's genuinely unusual terrain, nothing like the flat Northamptonshire you'd expect.

The reserve itself is best explored on foot, picking your own route between the bumpy ground and grassland. You'll spot wildflowers depending on the season, and if you're lucky, birds and butterflies that thrive on the limestone. It's not a manicured attraction with visitor centres or gift shops - just open ground with history literally underneath your feet.

Walkers and history enthusiasts will get the most from this. Kids might find it decent for an hour of poking about, though there's no play equipment or facilities. Stamford, just a few miles away, is worth combining with a visit - it's a proper stone-built market town with actual things to do and places to eat.

The glamping spots nearby - The Nest and Stamford Meadows are both highly rated - make good bases if you're spending a weekend in the area. You could easily loop this in with Rockingham Forest Park at Landal if you want a bit more structure to your days. Access appears to be free and unrestricted, though best to check conditions before heading out in wet weather - it'll be boggy.