Warrens

The earthworks at Warrens sit quietly on the Devon slopes near South Brent, easy to walk past if you're not paying attention. What you're looking at are the remnants of a medieval warren - essentially a controlled rabbit breeding ground that would have been valuable property back in the day. The site itself consists of low banks and shallow depressions that map out where the warren keeper would have managed his stock, feeding the local lord's table and his pocket.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick snap for Instagram. You'll need a decent sense of history to get the most from it - the earthworks don't scream "look at me" like a castle would. Families with older kids might find it interesting if they're keen on medieval life, but younger children will likely lose interest within ten minutes. Walkers on the South Brent trails will probably pass it anyway, so it's worth a proper look if you've got half an hour to spare.

There's no visitor facility or admission charge that I'm aware of - it's just there on the landscape, free to explore at any time. If you're basing yourself at Ashbourne Woods, which sits just five or so miles away, Warrens makes a pleasant footnote to a country walk rather than a destination in itself. Combine it with other local heritage spots and you've got a decent half-day.