Hoon Mount

A lumpy field near Burton-on-Trent doesn't sound thrilling, but Hoon Mount is genuinely worth tracking down if you're into Iron Age archaeology. It's a hillfort - one of those raised, ditched defensive settlements that dotted the Midlands before the Romans showed up. What you get is an earthwork, really, not much more than undulating grass and banks, but stand on top and the story clicks into place.

The site itself is modest and uninterpreted, so you'll need a bit of imagination or some prior knowledge. There's no visitor centre, no café, no facilities - it's just the archaeology sitting in the landscape. That's either brilliant or frustrating depending on your mood. Walkers and history types will find it rewarding; families with young kids might run out of steam after twenty minutes unless you make a game of the ramparts.

It's free to visit and takes maybe an hour to properly explore and absorb. Spring and early summer are best - the banks are clearer to read when the grass isn't overgrown. If you're staying at Peakes Retreats nearby, it's an easy excursion that won't eat into your holiday. The site sits in rolling country where you can pair it with walks across Burton's surrounding farmland. Go in with modest expectations and you'll leave satisfied. Show up thinking it's Stonehenge and you'll be disappointed.