The Fountain

The Fountain sits in the heart of Stamford, one of England's finest stone-built towns, and it's the sort of landmark locals barely glance at anymore. But stop for a minute and you'll spot something genuinely old - a proper chunk of Stamford's past frozen in place. The structure itself tells the story of a working market town that needed water before pipes came along, and there's real character in how it's been maintained (or not) over the centuries.

It's free to look at, which is the main selling point. You'll spend five minutes here, ten if you're the type to read every inscription and wonder about the hands that built it. History buffs will find it worthwhile as part of a broader wander through Stamford's Georgian streets - the town practically is an open-air museum, and The Fountain anchors you to everyday medieval and Tudor life rather than grand estates.

Families staying at Stamford Meadows Glamping or New Lodge Farm Bulwick can easily tack this onto a town visit without adding much to the itinerary. The walk from Rockingham Forest Park - Landal is a bit further, but if you're doing a proper tour of the area, Stamford deserves a good few hours anyway. Go mid-morning or late afternoon when the town's quieter and the light's better for photographs. Don't expect dramatic ruins or manicured gardens - this is understated, functional history.