Lewes Priory

The ruins of Lewes Priory sit right on the edge of town, a proper reminder that this corner of Sussex was once far more ecclesiastical than it is now. Founded in 1081, it was one of the biggest Cluniac monasteries in England before Henry VIII's lot got their hands on it. What remains are the fragmentary walls and foundations - enough to give you the shape of the place, though you'll need a decent imagination to picture the grand church that stood here.

You can wander around freely, which is the best bit. The site's open to the elements and managed by English Heritage, so there's no faffing about with tickets. Allow half an hour if you're just passing through, longer if you're the type who reads every interpretation board. The setting matters - you're practically in Lewes town centre, so it's easy to combine with a proper look around the high street and castle.

History enthusiasts will find this worthwhile, especially if you're interested in medieval religion and dissolution politics. Families with young kids might struggle - there's not much to climb on, and the narrative requires a bit of context to be engaging. Walkers based at nearby spots like Three Ponds or Chalky Downs (both just over four miles away) could easily slot this into a loop around Lewes without breaking stride.

Go on a dry day if possible. The ground gets boggy, and half the appeal is being able to move around the foundations without sliding about.