Ruined Barn

Stone walls crumbling into the Devon moorland - that's what you get here, and honestly, it's the sort of thing you'll stumble upon rather than plan a day around. The barn itself is what remains of farming life from centuries back, now just weathered walls and archways slowly surrendering to the elements. It's the kind of place that works best if you're already walking the moors nearby, not worth a dedicated trip unless you're really into rural archaeology.

The appeal here is straightforward: it's atmospheric in that very British way where decay becomes romantic. Walkers will get something out of it - a photo opportunity, a brief stop, a sense of wandering through someone else's history. History types might find the construction techniques interesting, the way stone was fitted without mortar. Kids will be bored within five minutes unless they're the sort who like clambering on rocks.

From Plymouth, it's a decent enough jaunt into proper Dartmoor country. If you're staying at Hidden Hill Devon or Dartmoor Domes - both excellent, especially with hot tubs if you want to recover sore legs - you could easily incorporate this into a longer walking day. The barn works best in autumn or winter when the light's low and dramatic, frankly. Summer feels too cheerful for ruins.

Allow twenty minutes maximum, free to visit, no facilities. Go if you're in the area walking, skip it otherwise.