Bothal Castle

You're looking at one of Northumberland's quieter castle ruins, sitting prettily above the River Wansbeck just outside Ashington. Bothal Castle is the sort of place that rewards a gentle wander rather than a full day's commitment - think crumbling medieval walls, a proper Norman keep, and enough history soaked into the stonework to keep anyone interested for an hour or so.

The castle dates back to the 12th century, and what remains gives you a genuine sense of how these places were actually built and defended. The keep is the star turn, solid and imposing even in its current state, while the outer walls hint at grander days. It's free to explore and open year-round, which means you can rock up whenever suits you - early morning's lovely if you want the place to yourself.

This works best for walkers and history types rather than families after an all-day attraction. Kids might get restless after thirty minutes unless they're properly into castles. The setting by the river is genuinely pleasant though, so it's worth combining with a proper riverside walk if you've got the time.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Tranwell Farm Holidays is closest at just over four miles away - Bothal makes an easy afternoon excursion. Parkdean Resorts Church Point and Cresswell Towers are both within five miles too. It's not a showstopper, but it's real, unpretentious, and well worth the detour if you're in the area exploring Northumberland's castle trail.