Gefrin

You won't find much fanfare about Gefrin, but that's rather the point. This was once the royal palace of the Anglo-Saxon kings of Northumbria, right here in the rolling hills just outside Wooler. Walk the site today and you're standing where King Edwin ruled in the 7th century - though honestly, there's not much left to see beyond the earthworks and the landscape itself.

The appeal is subtle. History types will find it genuinely compelling, especially if you've read up beforehand - there's something about standing on actual palace grounds that's hard to manufacture. The views across the Cheviot foothills are proper lovely, and it's the sort of place where a decent walk pays dividends. You'll want a good hour minimum, longer if you're the kind to pause and absorb the atmosphere.

Families with kids might struggle unless the little ones are keen on archaeology and empty fields. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation panels, no café. It's raw history, which you'll either love or find a bit underwhelming. If you're staying at Highburn House or Riverside Wooler, both within easy reach, Gefrin works as a thoughtful detour rather than a headline attraction.

Best visited when the weather's decent - there's nowhere to shelter - and ideally after you've done some reading. Go in expecting atmosphere rather than spectacle, and you won't be disappointed.