Seven Sisters round barrow

The Seven Sisters round barrow sits on high ground near Durham, a Bronze Age burial mound that's genuinely worth tracking down if you're into archaeology. It's not flashy - just a grassy hump in the landscape - but there's something rather moving about standing on top of a structure raised over 3,000 years ago. The views across County Durham spread out properly from up there, which makes the short walk worthwhile regardless.

You'll need to be comfortable on foot and happy reading the landscape. This isn't a visitor centre with interpretation panels. It's the real thing - sparse, genuine, and demanding a bit of imagination. History buffs and walkers will get far more from it than families with young children expecting facilities or a defined trail. Allow an hour if you're combining it with nearby walks; it's not a long stop in itself.

The nearest town is Durham, close enough that it works as a half-day excursion while based at one of the local caravan parks - Finchale Abbey Residential & Touring Park is only 3.8 miles away, or try Durham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite if you prefer a Club site. Neither will have amenities that spoil you, but that suits this kind of visit.

Access and opening are informal - there's no entrance charge or fixed hours, just a case of finding the site and heading out. Bring proper boots if the ground's been wet. Not everyone's idea of an afternoon out, but if you're the sort who enjoys standing in a field contemplating Bronze Age burials, it's exactly what you want.