Chester City Walls

Two miles of medieval stonework encircling Chester's city centre - that's what you're getting here, and it's genuinely impressive if you're into that sort of thing. The walls were built over centuries, starting in Roman times, which means you're literally walking on layers of history. Most people do the full circuit on foot, which takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace. There are decent views across the Dee valley and into Wales from the higher sections, particularly from the north side near Northgate.

History buffs will find it absorbing. The gates - Eastgate, Northgate, Watergate - have actual stories attached to them, and you can see where repairs have been patched in over the centuries. For families with older kids, it's a solid walk with purpose, though younger children might flag after the first mile. The walls are accessible most of the way, though there are steps in places.

It's free to walk them, and there's no time limit - you simply show up. Early morning or late afternoon works best if you want to avoid crowds. The walls connect directly with Chester's town centre, so if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Fir Trees is barely two miles away, Netherwood even closer - you can easily combine it with a proper look around the shops and pubs. The Eastgate itself is worth a moment; the ornate Victorian clock above it is rather lovely. Go when it's not bucketing down, and allow a solid three hours if you want to actually take things in rather than just trudge the perimeter.