Bull Ring

Standing stones mark this ancient earthwork just outside Ryde, where medieval folk once gathered for bull baiting and other rather less civilised entertainments. The circular embankment still holds its shape after centuries, though thankfully the blood sports are long gone.

History buffs will appreciate the well-preserved earthworks, which date back several hundred years when such spectacles drew crowds from across the island. The raised banks would have contained the action while spectators watched from the safety of the slopes. These days it's a peaceful spot for a short walk and a bit of reflection on how times have changed.

Families staying at nearby parks like Fairway Holiday Park or St Helens Coastal Resort will find it makes a decent leg-stretcher, though don't expect to spend more than twenty minutes here. Kids might enjoy running around the grassy banks, but there's precious little to actually see beyond the earthworks themselves.

The site sits freely accessible in open countryside, so you can visit any time without worrying about opening hours or admission fees. It's properly signposted from the main road, making it easy to find on your way to or from Ryde's other attractions. Worth combining with a trip into town for fish and chips, but not really a destination in its own right.