Alnwick Castle

The moment you round the corner into Alnwick town centre, the castle rises up like something from a film set - because it basically is one. This isn't a ruin you're wandering through; it's a proper working fortress, still occupied by the Duke of Northumberland, which gives the whole place an oddly lived-in feeling that most castles have lost.

Inside, you're looking at medieval stone towers, sweeping staircases, and state rooms done up with genuine period furniture and art. The grounds are equally impressive - there's a functioning falconry display most days, and if you've got children, they'll either be transfixed or bored within twenty minutes depending on their tolerance for "olden times". The whole visit takes a solid two to three hours if you're doing it properly.

Admission isn't free, but it's reasonable for what you get. Spring and summer are best; winter gets grim up here on the Northumberland coast. The castle sits right in Alnwick itself, which means you can grab decent coffee beforehand.

For a park-based holiday, you're well-positioned. Northumberland Coast Camp sits just 6 miles away and has strong reviews - perfect for families wanting proper facilities. Coast and Castles Camping is even closer at 4 miles if you're after something more low-key. The castle makes a cracking half-day trip between exploring the actual coast and whatever else you're doing in the area. Harry Potter fans will recognize bits of it, which does tip the visit slightly toward the gimmicky side, but the castle itself is genuinely worth the time.