The Devil's Churchyard (Enclosure)

The Devil's Churchyard is a Neolithic enclosure buried in the Oxfordshire countryside near Wallingford - the kind of place that doesn't announce itself with grand structures or visitor facilities. What you're actually looking at are earthwork remains from around 3500 BC, a roughly circular ditch-and-bank system that once served as a gathering or ritual space for Neolithic communities. It's subtle stuff. There's no interpretation board, no café, no gift shop. You're essentially standing in a field reading the bumps and hollows in the landscape.

History enthusiasts will find it genuinely interesting - this is proper early British archaeology, the real thing - but casual visitors might struggle to connect with it without advance reading. Kids won't get much from it unless they're already into Iron Age Britain and Stone Age settlement patterns. The site itself is free to access, though you'll need to locate it carefully and be prepared for muddy ground, particularly after wet weather.

Allow 30-45 minutes if you're genuinely interested in examining the earthworks and considering what life looked like five thousand years ago. It works best as part of a broader Wallingford visit - the riverside town has plenty more appeal, from its Norman castle to decent pubs along the Thames. Several camping options lie within easy reach: Ridgeway View sits closest at under three miles, while Benson Waterfront and Rolling Fields Glamping offer alternatives if you want more creature comforts.

Go if you're an archaeology student or serious history walker. Skip it if you're after quick gratification.