Church Place Royal Hunting Lodge

Nothing remains above ground at this medieval site except grassy mounds and earthworks, but that doesn't stop it being rather fascinating for anyone with a proper interest in royal history. Church Place was once a substantial hunting lodge used by Norman and Plantagenet kings when they hunted in what's now the New Forest, though you'll need imagination to picture the grand halls that once stood here.

Archaeology enthusiasts will appreciate the clear outlines of building foundations visible in the turf, while history buffs can ponder the fact that King John himself likely stayed here during his hunting expeditions. Children, however, will find it spectacularly dull - there's literally nothing to see but bumps in a field.

The site sits quietly in woodland near Ashurst, accessible via footpaths but with no facilities or interpretation boards. It's free to visit, assuming you can find it, and takes about 20 minutes to walk around and absorb what's there. Best combined with a longer forest walk rather than treated as a destination in itself.

For families staying at nearby New Forest campsites like Ashurst Campsite or Hollands Wood, it makes a brief historical detour if you're already exploring the area's network of trails. Just don't expect ruins - this is archaeology in its rawest form, where the stories lie buried beneath your feet rather than towering above your head.