York Tyburn

The old execution site sits quietly on the outskirts of York, marked by a modest stone monument that most visitors drive past without noticing. This is where public hangings took place from medieval times through to the 18th century - a sobering reminder of how justice worked in those days. The spot itself is fairly unremarkable from a visual standpoint, which is rather the point. There's no theatre here, no crowds, just a stretch of ground where real history happened.

It's worth a stop if you're already exploring York's darker corners, particularly if you're interested in crime, punishment and social history. History buffs and adults generally get more from it than families with young children, though teenagers studying the period will find it genuinely thought-provoking. Allow fifteen minutes maximum - there's a plaque to read and perhaps a moment to take in the location.

Access is free and the site is accessible year-round. Go on a grey day if you can manage it; somehow it suits the subject matter better. The Tyburn sits about two miles from central York, making it a straightforward detour between the city's medieval walls and the caravan parks scattered around the area. Nurseries Caravan Park is just down the road and works well as a base if you're planning a longer stay exploring York's history - the Tyburn fits neatly into an afternoon that might include the Castle Museum or a walk along the city walls.