Low Throston deserted medieval village

What you're looking at here is the earthwork remains of a medieval village that was abandoned sometime around the 14th century - no standing buildings, just the subtle ridges and bumps in the grass that mark where houses, streets and fields once were. It's the kind of site that only really comes alive if you're willing to use your imagination, and honestly, it takes a bit of effort to get genuinely interested unless you're already into archaeology or local history.

Low Throston sits just outside Hartlepool, which means it's convenient if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene is barely three miles away, though the reviews are a bit mixed. Castledene, further afield at six miles, has better ratings if you're after more comfortable base. The site itself is free and open at all hours, which is typical for this type of unexcavated medieval earthwork.

It's worth a short walk if you're already in the area, particularly if you've got older kids or teenagers interested in how people lived in the Middle Ages. Expect about thirty minutes to an hour wandering about. The landscape is fairly flat and unremarkable, and there's no interpretation board or facilities, so you'll need to do your homework beforehand to get much from it. Best visited on a clear day when the earthworks cast proper shadows and become more visible. Don't expect a major outing - think of it as a pocket-sized detour rather than a destination in itself.