Charles Williams

The Charles Williams historic site sits just outside St Albans, a spot most visitors to the area completely miss. It's one of those places that rewards a bit of curiosity - the kind you stumble upon when you're actually exploring rather than just ticking boxes.

What you're looking at is a significant piece of English history tied to a figure who mattered in his day. The site itself gives you a real sense of how people lived and worked in this corner of Hertfordshire. You'll get proper views of the surrounding countryside, and it's genuinely quiet - no crowds, no gift shop queue.

This works best for history buffs and anyone with a real interest in local heritage rather than casual day-trippers. If you're after dramatic ruins or grand architecture, you'll be disappointed. But if you appreciate the smaller stories that built England, you'll find it worthwhile. A couple of hours maximum, though you could easily spend longer if you're the contemplative type.

Based at Cherry Green Trees - just 3.8 miles away - it's a natural add-on to a Hertfordshire break. The park's highly rated and gives you a proper base for exploring the quieter side of the county. You could combine it with other walks and sites in the St Albans area without too much faffing about. Worth the detour if you're staying locally, but not worth a special trip on its own.