Camlet Moat

A pair of grass-covered mounds rising from farmland east of Waltham Cross - that's Camlet Moat, and it's one of those archaeological sites that rewards a bit of detective work. The earthworks are the remains of a medieval fortification, probably built in the 12th century, though exactly who constructed it and why remains pleasantly mysterious. You're looking at what was likely a motte-and-bailey castle, the kind of defensive structure Normans threw up across England after 1066.

Walking out here is straightforward enough. The mounds sit in open countryside with good views across the surrounding fields, and the site itself is free to access - just turn up and wander about. You'll want to allow perhaps 20 minutes to have a proper look and take some photos. It's less about dramatic remains and more about standing on the spot and imagining what stood here 900 years ago. For history types and archaeology enthusiasts, that kind of connection to the past tends to be enough. Families with younger kids might find it rather underwhelming; there's not much to do except climb the mounds and speculate.

The location near Waltham Cross puts you within reasonable striking distance of Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park to the south, which makes this a decent addition to a broader Hertfordshire trip rather than a destination in itself. Spring and early autumn are best - the ground won't be waterlogged, and you'll get decent light for photographs. The walk there from the nearest parking isn't obvious, so have a map or GPS ready.