Norton Fitzwarren Roman Temporary Camp

The earthworks at Norton Fitzwarren don't announce themselves with fanfare or visitor centres. What you're actually looking at are the ditches and ramparts of a Roman military camp, probably used during the invasion of Britain around 50 AD. The site sits on open ground near Taunton, and honestly, it takes some imagination to connect what you're seeing with the soldiers who camped here nearly two millennia ago.

Walking the perimeter, you can make out the defensive ditches fairly clearly - that's where the real interest lies for anyone keen on Roman Britain. It's not a destination you'll spend hours at. Twenty minutes to half an hour covers it properly, longer if you're the type to stand about pondering the logistics of ancient occupation. History enthusiasts and archaeology buffs will find it worthwhile; families with young children might struggle unless they're genuinely engaged by ramparts and ditches.

The access appears to be open at all times and entirely free, which is refreshing. There's no interpretation board worth mentioning, so you'll want to read up beforehand or bring a good guidebook. It works best as a stop-off when you're already in the Taunton area - not a reason to plan your entire trip around it, but proper interesting if you're exploring Roman Somerset.

If you're based at Cornish Farm Touring Park nearby, it's an easy detour. The site's best visited on a clear day when the ground isn't waterlogged - these ditches have a habit of filling up rather dramatically after rain.