Welshbury Hill Fort

Iron Age earthworks crown this hilltop just outside Mitcheldean, offering proper views across the Forest of Dean without the crowds you'd find at more famous sites. The ramparts are still clearly defined after two millennia, creating a horseshoe-shaped enclosure that's easy to walk around in twenty minutes.

History buffs will appreciate the well-preserved defensive banks and ditches, while families with older children might enjoy the short climb and space to run about. Younger ones could find it a bit dull - there's not much beyond grassy mounds and the odd interpretation board.

Access is straightforward via a public footpath, though parking means finding a spot in Mitcheldean village and walking up. The site's always open and free to explore, making it a decent stop if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites like Apple Orchard or West End Farm.

Best visited on a clear day when the views extend right across to Wales. Takes about an hour including the walk from town, so it works well as a morning stretch before heading to other Forest of Dean attractions. Not earth-shattering, but a pleasant enough diversion for anyone interested in ancient Britain.