Wigber low

Ancient burial mounds dot this windswept hillside just outside Ashbourne, where Bronze Age settlers chose to bury their dead some 4,000 years ago. Wigber Low consists of several tumuli scattered across rough grassland - not much to look at from a distance, but fascinating once you understand what you're seeing.

Archaeology enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of this well-preserved barrow cemetery. The main mound still stands several feet high despite centuries of weathering and the occasional bit of Victorian treasure hunting. Walking between the burial sites, you get a proper sense of how our ancestors marked the landscape.

There's no visitor centre or interpretation boards, so bring your imagination and perhaps do a bit of reading beforehand. The site is freely accessible year-round, though the ground can get boggy after rain. Allow about 30 minutes for a decent wander unless you're really into prehistoric burial practices.

Families staying at nearby parks like Ashbourne Heights or Carsington Water campsite might find it worth combining with a trip into Ashbourne itself. Kids might lose interest quickly unless they're already keen on history. The views across the Derbyshire countryside are lovely on a clear day, but let's be honest - you're mainly here for the ancient history rather than the scenery.