Tramway Bridge

The cast-iron span crossing the River Nene just outside Northampton is a proper bit of Victorian engineering - all wrought-iron lattice and industrial swagger. Built in the 1870s to carry the Peterborough tramway over the water, it's one of only a handful of these structures still standing in the country, which alone makes it worth a detour if you're into that sort of thing.

You won't find much fanfare here. No visitor centre, no gift shop, just the bridge itself doing what it's done for 150-odd years. The ironwork's genuinely impressive up close - you can see the craftsmanship, the rivets, the way the lattice holds its shape. It's the kind of thing that makes you stop and wonder how they managed without modern tools. The surrounding towpath is pleasant enough for a stroll, though don't expect dramatic views or anything.

History buffs and industrial archaeologists will find this genuinely interesting. Families might get fifteen minutes out of it before the kids ask what's for lunch. It's free to visit and takes as long as you fancy - a quick photo stop or a proper examination of the engineering details.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Blisworth Park or Kirkely Meadows aren't far - it's an easy leg-stretch walk from your pitch. Not a reason to book a holiday, but absolutely worth knowing about if you're already in the area.