Green Shiel

You'll find yourself standing on moorland north of Berwick-upon-Tweed, looking at what remains of a Roman fort that once guarded this corner of Britain. Green Shiel is properly atmospheric - the earthworks are still visible if you know what you're looking at, though don't expect dramatic ruins. What you get is solitude and the chance to stand where Roman soldiers stood nearly two thousand years ago, watching the same northerly horizons.

It's the kind of place that rewards walking. The site itself takes maybe thirty minutes to explore properly, wandering the grassed-over ramparts and trying to imagine the garrison that once stood here. Archaeologists and history types will find it worthwhile; families with young kids might find it a bit bare unless they're into Romans or enjoy a moorland walk for its own sake. The nearest town is Berwick-upon-Tweed, which gives you proper shops and lunch options if you're based nearby.

If you're camping at one of the local sites - Haven Haggerston Castle or Budle Bay are both within striking distance - this makes a decent morning's outing before heading elsewhere. The walk across open country is often as good as the destination itself. Go when the weather's decent; on a grey, damp day, the appeal dwindles fast. Free to visit, naturally, and no set hours since it's just an archaeological site on moorland. Worth the trip if you're already in the area exploring Northumberland's Roman heritage.