Chelker House

You'll need proper walking boots and a sense of curiosity to get much from Chelker House. This is archaeology in the raw - the remains of a medieval settlement in the hills above Skipton, not a manicured site with interpretation boards and a gift shop. The stone foundations are there if you know where to look, scattered across moorland that rewards the effort with views across Wharfedale.

It's the kind of place that appeals to walkers with an interest in how people actually lived centuries ago, rather than those after a quick Instagram moment. The walk itself is decent - moorland terrain, nothing too punishing, but you'll want to allow a good couple of hours to explore properly and soak in the landscape. Bring an OS map or download the route beforehand, because signage is minimal.

Free to visit, naturally, since there's no visitor infrastructure here. The real value is in combining it with a walk through the broader countryside. If you're staying at Draughton Heights or Brown Bank - both excellent bases just a few miles south near Skipton - this makes a solid morning or afternoon excursion. The moorland around here is genuinely lovely, and you'll likely see more curlews than tourists.

Not for everyone, but if you're the type who gets excited about medieval field systems and doesn't mind a bit of detective work with the landscape, it's worth the detour. Best visited outside peak holiday season when the hills feel properly wild.