Birkwood Hall

Ancient stone foundations poke through the grass like broken teeth, marking what remains of a medieval manor house that once dominated this corner of the Lincolnshire countryside. Birkwood Hall's archaeological remains sit quietly in farmland near Kirkby on Bain, offering little more than weathered masonry and overgrown earthworks to the casual visitor.

History enthusiasts with a good imagination will find more here than families looking for an afternoon out. The site requires proper walking boots - the ground can be boggy after rain, and there's precious little signage to explain what you're looking at. What survives suggests a substantial building, probably 14th or 15th century, but you'll need to do your homework beforehand to make sense of it all.

Twenty minutes is enough for most people, though archaeology buffs might linger longer trying to piece together the hall's layout from the surviving walls. It's free to wander around, assuming you can find it - the site isn't exactly well-marked from the road.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Woodhall Spa like the Camping and Caravanning Club Site, it makes a reasonable detour for those already exploring the area's medieval heritage. Just don't expect Warwick Castle - this is strictly for those who appreciate ruins in their rawest form.