Burton Castle (site of)

The earthworks and scattered stones that mark Burton Castle sit on a low hill near Carnforth, looking out towards Morecambe Bay. There's not much left to see if you're expecting intact walls - this is archaeology rather than architecture. What you get instead is the chance to walk among the remains of a Norman stronghold and read the landscape itself, which appeals far more to history types than to casual sightseers.

The site commands decent views across the bay, and the walk up takes about ten minutes from the roadside. On a clear day it's worth the effort. On a grey Lancashire afternoon, it's fairly bleak and you'll struggle to stay longer than half an hour unless you're genuinely interested in 12th-century fortifications. Kids will find it dull after a quick explore unless they're the type who get excited about earthworks and motte-and-bailey defences.

It's free to visit and open whenever you fancy turning up. There's limited parking nearby, so come early or expect a slightly awkward roadside stop. The site works best as a diversion if you're already exploring the wider area around Carnforth rather than a destination in itself.

Staying at Primrose Glamping Pods just down the road gives you a comfortable base for pottering around North Lancashire. From there you can easily reach this castle ruin, then push on to better-preserved sites or the coastal walks if history alone doesn't hold your attention. It's not a full day out, but on a holiday that includes nearby parks and villages, it slots in nicely.