Bishopton Castle

The ruins of Bishopton Castle sit quietly on the landscape near Stockton-on-Tees, overlooking what was once strategically important territory. What remains today is more earthwork than dramatic stonework - mostly grassy mounds and ditches that require a bit of imagination to decode. It's a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress, built sometime in the 12th century, and you can still make out the ditch that once encircled the fortified mound.

This isn't the sort of place where you'll spend hours wandering. Twenty minutes of poking about the site tells you most of what's there to know. It works best as a stop-off during a wider exploration of the area rather than a destination in itself. History enthusiasts will find it rewarding - there's something genuinely interesting about standing where medieval defenders once watched the surrounding territory. Families with young kids might get restless unless they enjoy a bit of scrambling about on earthworks.

The site appears to be freely accessible, though there's no visitor infrastructure, so come prepared. It's worth combining with a base at nearby Donnewell Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club, which sits just five miles away and offers decent facilities. Summer visits beat winter - the site can turn boggy when wet. If you're staying in County Durham and already interested in Norman history, add it to your itinerary. Just don't expect manicured lawns or information boards. What you get is the real thing - quiet, unpolished, and genuine.