Ely Castle

What remains of Ely Castle today is honestly quite modest - a motte and bailey earthwork that's been around since Norman times, plonked on the edge of this cathedral city. You're looking at grassed-over humps and bumps rather than dramatic stonework, which means it won't hold your attention for hours. That said, there's something rather satisfying about walking the perimeter and actually being able to trace where the fortifications once ran.

History types will appreciate the context more than most. The castle dates back to around 1087 when the Normans established control over the Fens, though precious little survives to tell the story visually. Kids might enjoy it as part of a broader Ely itinerary, but they'll tire quickly without the château fantasy they're expecting. Walkers, though, will find it a sensible stop when exploring the cathedral city itself.

It's free to wander round, no specific opening hours to worry about - you can visit whenever you fancy. Allow twenty minutes, perhaps thirty if you're genuinely keen on Norman military architecture. The real draw here is pairing it with Ely Cathedral, which dominates the skyline and absolutely justifies a visit on its own.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Heatherbield Lodge is genuinely close by - use this as a pretext for a walk into the town centre rather than planning a dedicated trip. Ely itself is worth the morning, and the castle slot fits neatly into that.