Brecken Howe

Brecken Howe sits on moorland near Whitby - a Bronze Age burial mound that's genuinely worth the trek if you're into archaeology and don't mind getting properly muddy. It's not signposted, which means you'll need to do a bit of navigation, but that's part of the charm. The mound itself is substantial enough to see why the ancients chose this spot - you're high up with proper views across the North Yorkshire landscape.

What you're looking at is essentially a ceremonial burial site from roughly 2000 BC. It's humbling, honestly. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards, just the earthwork itself. Families with older kids who enjoy a real walk rather than a manicured heritage trail will get more from this than those wanting instant gratification. Younger children might struggle with the lack of "stuff to do" - it's not a playground.

Give yourself an hour minimum including the walk in. The moorland path is rough in places and can be boggy depending on weather. There's no entrance fee as such because there's no gate, though finding exact access can require a bit of local knowledge. Winter's harsh up here; spring and autumn are your best bets for visibility and solid ground.

If you're camping at Prospect House Farm Glamping & Camping down near Whitby, Brecken Howe makes a brilliant half-day expedition. It's proper hiking territory rather than a quick detour, so plan accordingly.