Cripps

You'll find Cripps just outside Cambridge, though most visitors stumble upon it rather than plan a trip specifically for it. It's a historic site with genuine medieval roots, the sort of place that rewards a bit of curiosity if you're staying at one of the camping parks within spitting distance - Cherry Hinton or the main Camping and Caravanning Club site are only a couple of miles away.

The site itself tells a story of Cambridgeshire's agricultural past, with buildings and structures that speak to how people actually lived and worked here centuries ago. It's not a flashy visitor attraction with themed experiences or gift shops. Instead, you're looking at something more authentic - a genuine piece of the landscape rather than a packaged heritage experience.

Walkers and history enthusiasts will get more from Cripps than families with young children hoping for a day's entertainment. You're talking perhaps 30 minutes to an hour here if you're thorough, longer if you really want to absorb the place. The lack of major facilities means it works best as part of a broader Cambridge day - combine it with a punt on the Cam, King's College Chapel, or a ramble through the Backs.

It's free to access, which is the main selling point honestly. Perfect for filling an afternoon during a week at Highfield Farm or Gayton Farm if the weather's decent. Bring a camera and decent shoes - the ground can be muddy depending on the season. Not a destination in itself, but a solid addition to a Cambridgeshire camping trip if you've got a car and a passing interest in how medieval England actually functioned.