Nympsfield Long Barrow

You'll find Nympsfield Long Barrow sitting quietly in the Cotswold landscape near Gloucester - a genuine Neolithic tomb that's been here for around 5,000 years. It's the real deal: a stone burial chamber from the days when Britain was still getting the hang of farming. Walking up to it, you get that slightly eerie feeling of stepping into proper prehistory.

The barrow itself is substantial enough to hold your attention for twenty minutes or so. You can actually peer into the stone chamber - they've left it accessible, which is refreshing compared to sites that've been roped off and signposted to death. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, just the thing itself and the long views across the countryside.

This appeals most to archaeology enthusiasts and walkers who like their sites with some quiet heft to them. Kids might find it interesting for five minutes before asking to leave, unless you're the type who can spin a yarn about ancient peoples. Free to visit, no gates or barriers - the Cotswolds approach of just letting people get on with it.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around - The Riverside near Gloucester, Tudor Caravan Park, or Tobacconist Farm are all within reasonable distance - Nympsfield makes a decent morning detour during a broader Cotswold walk. Go early or late when the light's better and you've got the place to yourself. It's a proper bit of history that doesn't demand much fuss.