East Toft Howe

There's not much to look at when you first arrive at East Toft Howe - just a grassy mound rising from the North Yorkshire countryside near Pickering, unremarkable at first glance. But this is a Bronze Age burial mound, and once you know that, the whole thing shifts. You're standing on something that's been here for three thousand years, which does something to your head.

It's the sort of place that appeals most to archaeology enthusiasts and serious walkers rather than casual visitors. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards, no facilities - you get what you see. The mound itself is accessible, and the views across the surrounding fields are genuinely pleasant, but you won't spend more than twenty minutes here unless you're the type to sit and contemplate Bronze Age burial practices.

The real appeal lies in combining it with a proper walking route through the area. If you're staying at Lakeside Caravan Park or Swallowtails Glamping nearby, both excellent bases for exploring North Yorkshire, this works well as a quiet stop during a longer ramble. It's free to visit and open all the time - just turn up.

Worth visiting? Only if you're into prehistory or need a brief break during a walking day. On its own, it's underwhelming. As part of a broader tour of Pickering's archaeological and historic sites, it slots in nicely enough.