Baconsthorpe Castle

Two imposing gatehouse towers rise from the Norfolk countryside like broken teeth, all that remains of what was once a grand fortified manor house. Baconsthorpe Castle isn't really a castle at all - it's the ruins of a 15th-century home built by the wealthy Heydon family, who clearly had ideas above their station. The twin towers still stand impressively, connected by a crumbling wall that frames the sky rather dramatically.

History buffs will appreciate the mixture of medieval fortification and Tudor domestic architecture. Kids might enjoy scrambling about the ruins for twenty minutes, but don't expect this to fill an afternoon. The site feels properly atmospheric on a grey day when the Norfolk wind whistles through the broken walls.

Located a short drive inland from Sheringham, it's easily combined with a coastal day out. The ruins sit in open farmland, so there's plenty of space to let children run about safely. No facilities here though - bring your own refreshments and don't expect a visitor centre.

From nearby holiday parks like Kelling Heath or Woodhill Park, it makes a decent hour-long diversion if you're already exploring the area's historical sites. The castle works well as part of a broader tour taking in Norfolk's numerous ruins, rather than as a destination in its own right.