Simon De Montfort

Standing in the field where Earl Simon de Montfort met his bloody end in 1265, you're looking at one of England's most significant battlefields. The Battle of Evesham marked the violent conclusion of the Second Barons' War and effectively ended parliamentary rebellion against Henry III. Not much remains visible today beyond rolling Worcestershire countryside, but the weight of history here is proper heavy.

History buffs will get the most from this spot, though there's precious little to actually see beyond an interpretation board and some earthworks. The battlefield stretches across farmland just outside Evesham, where de Montfort's outnumbered forces were crushed by Prince Edward's royalist army. It's free to wander about, naturally, being open countryside.

Families might find it a bit thin on spectacle - kids expecting castle ruins or dramatic monuments will be disappointed. Give it an hour at most, combining it with a proper look round Evesham's abbey ruins for better value. Early morning visits work best when the light's good for photos and you've got the place to yourself.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Evesham like Ranch Caravan Park or Broadway Caravan Club, it makes a decent historical detour. The location puts you within easy reach of the Cotswolds too, so you can tick off a bit of medieval mayhem before heading to prettier villages.