Magna Carta

The original Magna Carta sits in a climate-controlled case in Salisbury Cathedral, and seeing the actual document - four pieces of parchment from 1215 - is genuinely moving. It's smaller than you'd expect, the writing faded but still legible, and it's the sort of thing that makes the hairs on your neck stand up a bit. You're looking at the foundation of parliamentary democracy, the bit of medieval negotiation that changed everything.

The cathedral itself is extraordinary - that spire really does dominate the skyline - and the Magna Carta is part of the broader experience rather than a standalone attraction. You'll spend maybe thirty minutes with the document itself if you're thorough, reading the translation and taking in what you're actually looking at. History buffs will want longer; younger children might lose interest after ten minutes, which is fair enough.

It's free to view, though the cathedral does ask for a donation. Go mid-week if you can - weekends get rammed with school groups. The close around the cathedral is lovely for a wander, and Salisbury town centre has decent shops and cafes.

If you're camping nearby - the Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site is only a mile and a half away, or Summerlands if you want something a touch more spacious - this works as a morning outing before heading to Old Sarum or exploring the Wiltshire countryside proper. It's not a full day's entertainment, but it's absolutely worth the detour.