Baynards Park

What remains of Baynards Castle now is mostly earthworks and overgrown foundations, but if you're into medieval fortifications, it's worth the pilgrimage from Horsham. The site sits as a motte-and-bailey castle ruin, built sometime in the Norman period, though the exact dates get a bit fuzzy depending on which source you read. You won't find much in the way of standing stonework - this isn't Bodiam or Hastings - but the earthen mound itself gives you a real sense of the defensive layout, and on a clear day the views across the Weald are proper lovely.

The walk in can be muddy and unmarked, which adds either charm or frustration depending on your mood and boots. Give yourself an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the type who likes to sit and sketch or photograph. Families with young children might find it underwhelming after twenty minutes - there's limited interpretation and no facilities - but history bores and keen walkers will appreciate the quiet and the chance to piece together medieval Surrey without the crowds you'd face at a better-known site.

It's free to visit, though you'll need to find the site yourself as there's minimal official signage. Being only a few miles from Riverside Farm and Sussex Topiary Campsite makes it an easy morning slot during a camping holiday in the area. Go early or late to avoid the worst of the mud, and bring a decent map or GPS - relying on memory of directions alone has caught out many visitors here.