Clare Castle Country Park Trust

The remains of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle sit at the heart of this Suffolk country park, about four miles south of Sudbury. What you're actually looking at is an impressive earthwork - the castle itself has long since crumbled, but the raised mound is still commanding enough to make the climb worthwhile. The trust has done decent work restoring the grounds around it, with proper walking trails threading through woodland and along the river valley.

It's a solid spot for families with school-age kids and anyone who fancies a bit of local history without the tourist crowds. The mound takes maybe twenty minutes to explore properly, so don't expect an all-day affair. Older children enjoy scrambling up the slopes; younger ones might lose interest once they've reached the top.

There's space for a proper walk if you're staying nearby - combine it with the riverside paths and you've got a decent couple of hours on foot. Given you're within easy reach of Cranfield Retreat and Lake View Lodges, it works well as a morning activity before heading back for lunch. The park feels genuinely local rather than packaged for tourists, which is refreshing. Free admission makes it worth a detour if you're passing through the area, though don't plan your whole Suffolk trip around it alone.