Silver Hill

You won't find gift shops or visitor centres at Silver Hill, which is rather the point. This Iron Age hillfort sits on high ground near Thirsk, commanding views across North Yorkshire that would have made it a strategically sound choice for ancient settlers - assuming they weren't just after the view itself.

What you're looking at is earthwork remains: ditches and ramparts that once enclosed a settlement, now softened by centuries of grass and weather. It's the sort of place that rewards a proper walk rather than a quick stop. Bring an OS map and comfortable boots. The site itself is free to access, though it demands a bit of legwork from the car park to reach the best vantage points.

History buffs will find the defences genuinely interesting - the layout tells you something about Iron Age life and security concerns. Kids might get restless if they're expecting obvious ruins, but older walkers tackling the North Yorkshire countryside will appreciate it as part of a broader archaeology story. Allow an hour minimum if you're treating it seriously.

It works well as a stop during a caravan holiday at Hillside Caravan Park or Breaks Fold Farm Glamping, both close enough for a morning outing. The landscape around Thirsk itself is good for walkers, so don't treat Silver Hill in isolation. Best visited on a clear day when the views justify the climb. Muddy underfoot in winter - go spring through autumn.