Carmarthen Castle

The ruins of Carmarthen Castle sit on a raised mound right in the middle of town, which is both convenient and slightly jarring - you're expecting something more remote. What remains is honestly modest: crumbling Norman stonework, a broken tower, and enough grass to let your imagination fill in the blanks about medieval life here. The castle dates back to 1109, making it one of Wales' oldest, though time and weather have had their way with it.

It's free to wander around, and you can do the whole thing in twenty minutes unless you're the type who reads every historical placard. Kids might find it reasonably interesting for a brief scramble about, though it's not going to keep them entertained for hours - there's a reason it works best as part of a longer Carmarthen walk rather than a destination in itself. History buffs will appreciate the Norman heritage, and the views across the town from the higher ground aren't bad.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Church House Farm Getaways is barely three miles away, or Quarry Lodge if you prefer something smaller - the castle makes a logical stop when you're exploring Carmarthen proper. The town itself has decent shops and cafes, so you can combine it with a proper afternoon out. Go on a clear day if you can; the mound catches wind something fierce, and grey Welsh drizzle doesn't do these ruins any favours.