Berry Pomeroy Castle

The castle sits tucked into a wooded valley just outside Newton Abbot, and your first glimpse of it - all craggy stone towers emerging from the trees - is genuinely striking. Berry Pomeroy is England's most haunted castle, according to local legend, though you'll find the actual history just as compelling: a Norman fortress that evolved into an Elizabethan manor, then fell into romantic ruin.

You're free to wander the grounds and poke around the crumbling walls at your own pace. The keep is the real draw - a proper medieval tower you can climb if you're feeling brave, offering decent views down the valley. The whole site takes about an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the type who reads every information board. Don't expect a polished visitor experience. There's no café, no gift shop, no crowds. It's just you, the stones, and a lot of atmosphere.

History buffs will spend longer than families with young kids, though there's enough scrambling about in ruins to keep children entertained for a while. Walkers benefit from the woodland setting - you could easily combine this with a longer circuit through the valley.

Stay nearby at Whitehill Country Park or Ramslade, both within three kilometres, and you've got a proper base for exploring the area. The castle itself is free to access, which is refreshing. Go on a cloudy day if you want the full gothic experience. Bright sunshine diminishes the drama a bit.