St Leonard's Priory, Stamford

The ruins of St Leonard's Priory sit on the edge of Stamford, a medieval monastery that's been crumbling away for centuries. What you get is a proper slice of religious history - enough stonework and archways remaining to fire your imagination about what this place was like when monks actually lived here. The grounds are quiet, atmospheric even, and it won't take long to wander round and get a sense of the scale.

It's the kind of spot that appeals most to history buffs and anyone who enjoys poking about old stones without needing an organised tour. Families won't find much to keep young kids engaged for more than half an hour, to be honest. But if you're staying at Stamford Meadows Glamping just down the road, or making a broader sweep through the area, it's absolutely worth combining with a proper walk round Stamford itself - the town centre has far more to grip you, with proper stone buildings and the River Welland.

Access seems to be free and you can visit pretty much whenever. There's no grand visitor setup here, which is partly the appeal. Go early morning or late afternoon for better light and fewer people milling about. The site links naturally into a wider Stamford itinerary rather than being a standalone destination. If you're based at Rockingham Forest Park further out, it's an easy drive in to town.