Old Sarum

The Iron Age hill fort that became a Saxon settlement and then a Norman stronghold - Old Sarum is essentially Wiltshire's archaeological layer cake, and you can walk straight up to explore it. The views across the Avon Valley from the top are genuinely excellent, sweeping out toward Stonehenge and the chalk downlands beyond. What strikes you first is how exposed it feels. There's a reason they chose this spot: defensible, commanding, commanding sightlines in every direction.

You'll find the ramparts and ditches still clearly defined after all these centuries, and enough flat ground at the summit to properly wander around and imagine what life was like here. The interpretive panels help, though honestly the landscape tells most of the story. It's a short, straightforward walk from the car park - maybe ten minutes to the top - which makes it accessible for families, though younger kids might flag if you're trying to be thorough about reading everything.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from this one. It's genuinely significant - the Anglo-Saxon settlement here preceded Salisbury cathedral by centuries - but it's not dramatic ruins or theatrical. It's earthworks and absence and sky.

From Salisbury town, it's just north of the centre, so it works perfectly as a morning outing if you're based at Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Bake Farm. Allow an hour if you're taking it slow, thirty minutes if you just want the views and fresh air. Worth the drive from whichever caravan park you're staying at.