Gaddick Hill Motte and Bailey

The earthworks at Gaddick Hill are what remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle - essentially a steep mound topped with a wooden fortification, surrounded by a ditch. It's the sort of thing that looks modest on arrival but grows on you once you realise you're standing on 900 years of history. The site sits near Newark, making it an easy stop if you're touring Nottinghamshire.

What you actually get is a short walk up to the mound itself. The views across the surrounding countryside are decent rather than spectacular, and the whole visit takes perhaps half an hour if you're not rushing. It's genuinely free and accessible whenever you fancy it - no gates, no opening hours, no faffing about.

Worth your time? If you're a history type or enjoy spotting Norman earthworks, absolutely. If you're expecting grand ruins or anything remotely impressive to look at, you'll be disappointed. Children might enjoy the scramble up the mound, though there's not much to do once they're at the top. It works best as part of a broader day out - pair it with Newark Castle itself, which is proper worth visiting, or use it as a short leg-stretch between larger attractions.

The nearby caravan parks at Orchard Park and Greenacres put you within easy reach for exploring this corner of the county. Neither Gaddick Hill nor Newark should be your sole reason for the trip, but they slot in nicely alongside other Midlands attractions if you're doing a week away.