Clare Castle Country Park

The ruins of a Norman castle rise unexpectedly from the Suffolk countryside just east of Sudbury, surrounded by 24 acres of mature woodland and meadow. Clare Castle itself is the main draw - a proper fortress mound with fragmented stone walls that hint at serious medieval business, built in 1090 and never fully demolished. Walking the perimeter path takes about 45 minutes, and the views from the top stretch across the River Stour valley, which honestly feels better than you'd expect from what looks like a modest bump on the skyline.

It's a place where history buffs will want to poke around the stonework and read the interpretation boards, but families with younger kids might find 20 minutes enough before the novelty of climbing worn stone steps wears off. The woodland itself is pleasant rather than dramatic - good for a stroll, nothing that'll leave you breathless. Bring a picnic if the weather cooperates; there's space to sit and watch the river.

Free entry and open access, which is brilliant. Allows about an hour if you're leisurely, half that if you just want the views. If you're basing yourself at Cranfield Retreat or Lake View Lodges nearby, it's worth the short drive as a morning walk, especially on a clear day when the views actually justify the effort. Summer's best - the woodland provides proper shade and the river banks are green. Not the most dramatic castle ruin in England, but it's honest work and costs nothing.