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Named after Robert Dover, the 17th-century historian, this natural amphitheatre looks out over the ancient Cotswold town of Chipping Campden and far beyond to Stratford and Warwick. It was in 1612 that Dover resurrected the idea of the Olympic Games and they were held here from 1612 right up until 1851, when they stopped, largely because so many competitors were being injured – hardly surprising when you consider that one of the chief sports was shin kicking!

Today, the broad green acres of this wonderful hilltop are sheep-covered and it is difficult to believe that the annual Olympics (spelled Olympicks in Dover’s day) once attracted crowds in excess of 30,000. The local Olympics have started up again, but with a little more concern for the health of the competitors – shin kicking is definitely out, for example. But there is no nonsense about modern sports – here you will find good old-fashioned tug-of-war competitions, as well as skittles and wrestling.

SECRETS

While you’re there

Visit nearby CHIPPING CAMPDEN, one of the less-visited Cotswold towns but delightfully filled with splendid early buildings, pubs and hotels.

Secret place to stay

DORMY HOUSE HOTEL, Broadway, Worcestershire (dormyhouse.co.uk). A lovely old hotel and former farmhouse in a picture-postcard setting complete with glorious views across open countryside.

The extensive plateau of Dover’s Hill.