Castell Cilgerran / Cilgeran Castle

The castle perches on a craggy headland above the River Teifi, just outside Cardigan, and it's the kind of place that makes you understand why someone bothered building a fortress here in the first place. Those cliffs drop sheer into the river below - strategically brilliant, aesthetically stunning. The ruins themselves are substantial enough to get a proper sense of the medieval stronghold it once was, with the two round towers still standing proud against the Pembrokeshire sky.

Walkers will find this genuinely worthwhile. The approach alone is attractive, and once you're up at the castle, the views across the river valley are reason enough for the trip. You can spend a contented hour picking your way through the remains, imagining the Norman overlords who held this place, then scramble down to the riverbank if you're feeling adventurous. It's free to visit and there are no restrictions on access, which is refreshing.

Families with children old enough to manage the steep climb will get something out of it, though there's not much to actually do once you arrive - this isn't a place with interactive exhibits or a café. History enthusiasts, though, will appreciate the medieval bones of it all. The castle is particularly worth a stop if you're combining it with other Cardigan Bay exploration. Several of the nearby parks - Cardigan Bay Holiday Park and Gwbert Glamping are within easy reach - make good bases for a few days roaming this corner of Pembrokeshire. Allow an hour here, maybe longer if you're photographing or just lingering over the view.