BRWRAA Gates

The BRWRAA Gates sit just outside Swindon, a rather unexpected relic of Britain's Cold War paranoia that most locals drive past without a second glance. These were the entrance gates to a secret Royal Air Force radar station, built in the 1950s when everyone was convinced the Soviets might drop bombs at any moment. What you're looking at is essentially a pair of sturdy metal gates that once controlled access to a heavily classified military installation - the sort of place where men in uniforms checked your papers before you could go further.

It's not going to occupy your afternoon, to be honest. Five minutes, maybe ten if you're the type who reads every historical marker and takes photographs. But there's something rather brilliant about stumbling upon it - a tangible reminder that even sleepy Wiltshire was caught up in the tension of the Cold War. History enthusiasts will find it worth a quick detour, particularly if you're already exploring the wider Swindon area. Families with kids might struggle to find it interesting unless they're already into military history.

The real appeal is how it slots into a broader wander around Wiltshire's heritage sites. If you're staying at Nordic Glamping at Botswicky just up the road, it's an easy addition to your itinerary - combine it with walks across the downs or visits to the many Neolithic sites the county's famous for. No admission fees, no opening hours to worry about. Just drive up, have a look, and move on.