Queen Eleanor Cross

Standing 65 feet tall in the village of Geddington, this elaborate stone monument tells one of medieval England's most poignant love stories. Edward I erected thirteen crosses to mark the resting places of his beloved wife Eleanor's funeral cortege as it journeyed from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey in 1290. Only three survive today, and this is the finest.

The stonework is remarkable. Three tiers of intricate Gothic carving rise skyward, each depicting Queen Eleanor's heraldic shields with stunning detail that's survived over 700 years. You can walk right up to it - there's no barrier or entrance fee.

History buffs will find plenty to occupy them for an hour or so, reading the information boards and admiring the craftsmanship. Children might be less impressed unless they're the sort who enjoy tales of kings and queens. The surrounding village is lovely for a gentle stroll afterwards.

From holiday parks around Northampton like Billing Aquadrome or Riverview Park, it's a straightforward drive of about 20 minutes. Worth combining with a trip to nearby Rockingham Castle or the market town of Oundle for a proper day out. The cross looks particularly striking in late afternoon light when the honey-coloured stone glows against the sky.

Frankly, it's one of those places that deserves to be better known. A genuine piece of English heritage that costs nothing to visit and takes you straight back to the Middle Ages.