Wheal Betsy

The ruins of Wheal Betsy sit on the moor above Okehampton like a broken tooth, and it's the sort of place that stops you mid-walk. This was a proper tin and copper mine, worked hard during the 19th century when Devon's mining industry was still worth something. What you get now is the engine house - a tall stone stack with gaping windows, looking more romantic than it probably was when it was actually grinding away.

Walkers will love this. It's not a sit-down attraction; you come here as part of a moorland ramble, and the engine house makes a good waypoint or turnaround spot depending on your route. The views across Dartmoor are excellent, assuming the weather behaves itself - which, let's be honest, it's Devon, so don't bank on it. Allow maybe 20 minutes to nose around the ruins themselves, but most people do this as part of a longer loop walk.

Families with kids who are into history or a bit of scrambling around will get something out of it. Those expecting a visitor centre or café will be disappointed. There's nothing there but the ruin and the moorland.

If you're camped at Lydford Caravan & Camping Park or Langstone Manor Holiday Park, this is genuinely worth the short drive over. It's free, obviously - it's just a ruin on the moor. Go in the dryer months if you want to stay upright on the approach paths.