Bakewell Castle

Crumbling stone foundations and grassy earthworks mark what little remains of this 12th-century motte and bailey castle, perched on a limestone outcrop overlooking Bakewell. The archaeological site sits quietly above the town centre, easily missed unless you know where to look for the public footpath that leads up through the trees.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic position - you can see why the Normans chose this spot to control the Wye Valley. The motte still rises impressively from the surrounding parkland, though precious little masonry survives above ground. A few scattered stones and the earthwork outline give you a sense of the original layout, but don't expect dramatic ruins.

Families staying at nearby sites like Chatsworth Park Caravan Club or Darwin Forest could easily combine this with a wander around Bakewell itself. The walk up takes about ten minutes from the town centre, and you'll have seen everything worth seeing in half an hour. Free to explore whenever you fancy, though the information boards could do with updating.

Truthfully, it's more of a pleasant detour than a destination in its own right. The views across to the Peak District hills are lovely, and it makes a decent leg-stretch if you're already exploring Bakewell's famous pudding shops and Monday market.