Swine Green

The earthworks at Swine Green are what remain of a medieval settlement, sitting quietly in the Nottinghamshire countryside a short drive south of Nottingham. You won't find much fanfare here - no visitor centre, no interpretation boards, just the subtle humps and hollows in the grass where houses once stood, surrounded by what would have been the fields these people worked. It's the kind of place that rewards a bit of imagination and takes maybe twenty minutes to walk around properly, though you could easily spend longer if you're the type to sit and wonder about the lives lived here centuries ago.

History buffs and archaeology enthusiasts will find it genuinely absorbing - evidence suggests this was occupied from Saxon times through the medieval period before people moved on or circumstances forced abandonment. For families with children, it's a bit hit and miss. The walk is easy enough and younger kids might enjoy the mild scrambling around the banks, but there's no playground or dramatic vista to hold attention for long. Walkers exploring the wider landscape, however, will appreciate it as a proper waypoint in a broader ramble across the Nottinghamshire countryside.

There's no charge to visit, though facilities are minimal - it's very much a case of parking sensibly nearby and exploring on foot. Spring and early summer are probably the best times, when the field boundaries become clearer. If you're based at either Nottingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site or the highly-rated Shelford Nurseries, this makes an easy afternoon detour worth adding to your itinerary.