The Devil's Den

A Neolithic burial chamber sits tucked into a chalk ridge just outside Marlborough, and it's genuinely strange to stand inside. The Devil's Den is one of those places where you can touch stones that are older than most of human history - we're talking 5,500 years. Two massive sarsen boulders form a cromlech entrance, and you can actually squeeze through and crawl into the chamber itself. It's properly atmospheric, especially on an overcast Wiltshire afternoon.

History buffs will find this genuinely interesting; walkers passing through on the Ridgeway will absolutely love it as a detour. Kids will either be fascinated or fidgety - depends on their age and how you sell it to them. The site is free and accessible pretty much year-round, though muddy after rain. Allow 20 minutes to look around properly, longer if you're taking photos or have children who want to explore every angle.

What makes it work is the location. It's not isolated on a bleak plain; it's integrated into walking country with the Ridgeway passing nearby. If you're based at one of the local campsites - Ridgeway Campsite is only 3.2 miles away and genuinely excellent - this makes a solid morning or afternoon stop. Combine it with a walk along the ridge and you've got a proper afternoon. It won't take hours, but it's worth the detour if you're already in the area rather than a destination in itself. The fact you can actually go inside sets it apart from many Neolithic sites.