Roman site

You won't find queues or gift shops at Northampton's Roman site - it's the real deal, a proper archaeological spot where you can actually see layers of history underfoot. The remains here tell the story of Roman occupation in the Midlands, with evidence of settlement and daily life scattered across the site. What you're looking at depends on what's currently on display and what excavations have revealed, but standing where Romans once stood never gets old.

This is one for history buffs and anyone who finds ancient pottery shards genuinely fascinating. Kids with an interest in Romans will get something out of it, though it's not a theme park experience - it requires a bit of imagination to bring the ruins to life. Families with younger children might find it a quick visit, thirty minutes to an hour at most, unless you're the type to read every information board twice.

Based locally in Northampton, it's an easy addition to a park holiday in the area. Grendon Lakes is barely two miles away if you're staying there, and Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park sits just over four miles out - close enough for a morning visit before heading back for lunch. Check ahead for opening times and admission fees, as these sites can be seasonal or require pre-booking. It's worth a detour if Roman history genuinely grabs you, but don't expect anything grand - this is archaeology in its most honest form.