Dovedale Castle

Stone foundations and crumbling walls mark where medieval lords once held sway over the Dove Valley. Dovedale Castle isn't much to look at these days - you'll find scattered ruins rather than towering battlements - but the setting more than makes up for what time has taken away. The remnants sit on elevated ground with proper views across the famous limestone gorge that draws walkers from across the country.

History buffs will appreciate hunting around for architectural details among the weathered stones, though families with young children might find there's not enough left standing to hold their attention for long. The real draw here is combining a castle visit with a ramble through Dovedale itself, one of the Peak District's most celebrated valleys.

From Ashbourne, it's a straightforward drive into this corner of Derbyshire where several holiday parks dot the countryside. Ashbourne Heights Holiday Park sits closest to the ruins, making it convenient for those wanting to explore both the castle site and the broader Dovedale area. The walk from the main valley path up to the castle remains takes about twenty minutes and involves a bit of scrambling, so decent footwear is essential.

Best tackled as part of a longer Dovedale expedition rather than a destination in its own right - the stepping stones and dramatic limestone cliffs below offer far more spectacular photo opportunities than the castle ruins themselves.