Long Chains Combe North

A steep-sided valley near Lynton that's genuinely rewarding if you're into Iron Age hill forts and don't mind a proper walk to get there. Long Chains Combe North sits in some seriously dramatic Devon landscape - the kind of place where you can actually picture ancient people choosing the high ground for defence. The archaeological remains themselves are subtle: earthwork ramparts and ditches that require a bit of imagination to see properly, but they're substantial enough that you won't feel you've trudged all that way for nothing.

History enthusiasts will find this worthwhile. It's the sort of site that rewards spending time working out the defensive layout rather than expecting obvious stone structures. The walk in from the valley bottom is steep enough to make you feel like you've earned it. Allow a couple of hours if you want to explore properly and aren't moving at a snail's pace.

For families, it depends entirely on the age and fitness level of your kids. Toddlers won't manage it. Older children who can handle a challenging moorland walk might actually engage with spotting the earthworks and imagining Romano-British life up here. Walkers, absolutely - the wider landscape is excellent.

There's no visitor facility, no café, nothing. Check the weather because exposure on these Devon hills catches people out. It's free and there's no set opening hours - you just go when you're ready. Base yourself at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat and combine this with longer coastal or moorland walks in the area. Don't expect polished interpretation or crowds.