Beacon

The Beacon sits on high ground just outside Milton Keynes, a proper Iron Age hill fort that commands views across Buckinghamshire on a clear day. Walk up and you'll find earthen ramparts still visible after two thousand years - nothing fancy, just the real landscape archaeology. The fort itself would have been a serious settlement in its time, but what you're looking at now is contours and grass rather than reconstructed buildings.

It's worth the trip if you're into ancient history or enjoy a decent walk with a view at the end. Kids might find it a bit abstract unless they're already interested in archaeology - there's no visitor centre, no explanations, just the site itself and imagination required. Families based at Wingbury Farm Glamping or Hill Farm And Orchard nearby could easily incorporate it into a morning's activity, especially in spring or autumn when the weather's reasonable.

Allow an hour to explore properly and take in the surroundings. The walk itself is straightforward, though the ground can be boggy depending on the season. Best visited in dry conditions. Since it's free and accessible, there's no real excuse not to fit it in if you're staying in the area - just don't expect crowds or facilities. Go for the landscape and the sense of people living and defending themselves here centuries ago.