Borough Hill Fort

The Iron Age ramparts at Borough Hill Fort rise unexpectedly from the Northamptonshire landscape just outside Daventry, a proper surprise if you're not expecting archaeology to announce itself quite so dramatically. You're looking at a hillfort that dates back around 2,500 years - concentric earthen banks that once protected a settlement, now softened by grass and time but still commanding the high ground. The site is free and accessible year-round, though there's little in the way of formal facilities or interpretation on the ground, so bring decent shoes and realistic expectations about what remains visible.

It's a walker's spot more than a family destination requiring entertainment. The views across the surrounding countryside justify the climb, and if you're into Iron Age history or archaeology generally, the scale of the fortifications genuinely impresses. Most people spend 45 minutes here, maybe an hour if you're thorough. The exposed position means it can be muddy after rain, and there's nowhere to shelter if the weather turns.

If you're based at one of the nearby glamping sites - Hideaway Wood Farm is closest at just over two miles away - Borough Hill Fort makes an excellent morning walk before settling back at camp. It pairs well with a broader exploration of Daventry itself, though the fort is the real draw for history types. The Iron Age doesn't shout about itself, but this place does if you give it a chance.