Priordy Llanddewi Nant Hodni

The ruins of this 12th-century priory sit in a proper quiet corner of the Black Mountains, a few miles north of Hereford. What you're looking at is what remains of an Augustine priory - crumbling stone walls, arches still standing against the odds, and enough atmosphere to hold you for a good half hour if you're into medieval architecture. The setting is the real draw, mind you. You're surrounded by steep valley sides and moorland that feels genuinely remote, even though you're not far from civilization.

History types will spend longer here, picking through the remains and imagining what life was like for the monks. Walkers love it because there are decent paths up into the valley, and it makes a good stop on a longer route through the Black Mountains. Families with younger kids might find twenty minutes is enough - once they've scrambled over a few stones, the appeal fades. The location near Hereford makes it an easy add-on if you're exploring the Welsh borders.

Access appears free, and there's no formal opening hours listed - just turn up. Allow an hour if you're combining it with a walk, less if you're just paying your respects to the stones. Olchon Valley Campsite sits only a couple of miles away, putting you right in walking country. The priory itself demands nothing fancy - good boots help, though, as the ground can be boggy after rain.