Park Kyyivsʹka Rusʹ

Take bus 15 direct from Vydubychi metro out to Kopachiv village and you'll find something that doesn't exist anywhere else in the region: a full-scale reconstruction of Kyiv Detinets, the fortified Rus city that stood from the 5th to the 13th century.

The idea came from a charity called the Slavic Fund, and what they've built mixes Rus and medieval European culture, which is why you'll find knights here alongside Rus warriors.

What You Can Do

The important thing is that you take part rather than watch. Hire traditional clothing of the kind worn a thousand years ago and you can join in - archery is the easy one to start with, and there's a combat festival if you're feeling braver.

If you'd rather watch, there are horse stunt shows and cultural festivals through the season, and an international championship of ancient martial arts where the fighting is the real draw.

When to Go

Go at a weekend or on a public holiday. That's when the special events are put on, and on a quiet weekday you'll be looking at buildings rather than watching anything happen - which is a very different day out.

There are traditional restaurants inside serving local food, so you don't need to bring lunch, and there's usually a fortune teller on site who'll read your palm.

It suits all ages, and it's one of the better options near Kyiv if you're travelling with children who have run out of patience for cathedrals. The ostrich farm is the other one, though for that you'll want a car.