Marshal Tallart

Marshal Tallart sits just outside Nottingham, a genuine slice of local history that most visitors completely miss. It's the kind of place where you can actually feel the weight of centuries rather than shuffle through crowds on a guided tour. The site itself is modest - you're looking at earthworks and remains that tell the story of medieval Nottinghamshire, the sort of archaeology that requires a bit of imagination to bring alive. That's precisely what makes it worth a visit if you're the type to read a landscape properly.

This appeals to history buffs and anyone who fancies a proper walk rather than a museum visit. The real pull is piecing together what was here, how it fitted into the region's past. It's the kind of detour that works brilliantly if you're already camping at one of the nearby sites - Holme Pierrepont or the Caravan Park are barely two miles away, or you could base yourself at Little Bunny Retreat if you want something quieter.

Bring proper footwear because the terrain can be boggy, especially after rain. Allow ninety minutes to two hours if you're actually reading the landscape rather than just walking through it. Best tackled in autumn or spring when the ground isn't waterlogged and the visibility is decent. It's free to visit - there's no gatehouse or entry fee - which is refreshing. You won't find gift shops or cafes here, so plan your refreshments around Nottingham town centre instead. Honestly, it's not for everyone. But if you're staying nearby and you enjoy archaeology without the interpretation boards, this delivers.