Holwell Barrow

A Bronze Age burial mound sits quietly on the Devon hillside near Ilfracombe, waiting for anyone curious enough to find it. Holwell Barrow is the real deal - an actual ancient monument that's been here for well over three thousand years, and you can walk right up to it. The mound itself isn't enormous, but standing on top and knowing what it represents does something to you. Inside are the remains of burials from people who lived when Britain was completely wild.

It's not a reconstructed museum piece or an artist's impression. This is the genuine article, and that's what makes it worth the trip. The site is free to visit and accessible year-round, though there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - it's just the barrow, the views, and your own imagination filling in the blanks.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It works brilliantly as part of a wider ramble through the North Devon landscape, and the location between Ilfracombe and the coast means you can easily combine it with other walks in the area. Kids might find it interesting for ten minutes or so - there's something satisfying about climbing a Bronze Age mound - but don't expect them to be mesmerised.

If you're staying at Longlands Devon or HARTA Retreat nearby, this is exactly the sort of low-key historical spot that makes a morning expedition worthwhile. It's not flashy, but it's genuine. That counts for a lot.