Cordwainer

Stone circles don't come much more intimate than this Bronze Age monument perched on the Gower Peninsula. Four weathered stones mark what archaeologists reckon was once a proper circle, though time and the elements have claimed most of its companions. The name comes from the old Welsh for shoemaker - locals once believed fairies gathered here to craft magical footwear.

Walkers tackling the Gower coastal path will stumble across Cordwainer without much effort, making it a lovely detour rather than a destination in itself. History buffs get a proper thrill from the 4,000-year timeline, while families with older children might appreciate the short scramble required to reach it. Don't expect Stonehenge-level drama though - this is ancient Britain at its most understated.

The setting delivers where the monument itself stays modest. Rolling hills sweep down to Three Cliffs Bay, and on clear days you can make out the Bristol Channel stretching towards Devon. Allow twenty minutes to explore and soak up the atmosphere, longer if you're planning photos or a picnic.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Three Cliffs Bay or Nicholaston Farm puts you right in the heart of Gower's archaeological landscape. Combine Cordwainer with the more substantial Weobley Castle ruins just down the road for a proper ancient Wales double-header.