Castell Oxwich

The ruins of Castell Oxwich sit right on the Gower Peninsula, just outside Swansea, and they're genuinely worth a wander if you're camping nearby. What you're looking at is a 15th-century fortified manor house - basically a Welsh knight's attempt to show off while keeping his family safe. The castle itself is modest compared to the grand fortress types, but the setting makes it. You get sea views across to Oxwich Bay, and the walk down from the car park takes maybe ten minutes through farmland.

The structure is roofless now, so it's more archaeological than dramatic, but the gatehouse and curtain walls give you a proper sense of medieval life. History buffs will appreciate the details. Kids will get twenty minutes out of it, possibly half an hour if they're into climbing on old stones. The whole experience is casual and free - no visitor centre, no gift shop, no nonsense.

It's ideal if you're staying at Oxwich Camping Park or Greenways just up the road, since you can pop down before breakfast or after lunch without much planning. The Gower itself has proper beaches at Oxwich and Port Eynon nearby, so pair this with a swim. Visit outside school holidays if you want peace - summer weekends get rammed. Allow an hour total if you're being thorough with photos.