George Bower

The earthworks at George Bower sit just east of St. Neots, a modest mound that most drivers whoosh past without noticing. It's what's left of a medieval motte-and-bailey castle - basically a Norman stronghold reduced to lumps and bumps in a field, but that's precisely what makes it interesting if you're into how these structures actually worked.

There's not much to do here in the traditional sense. You walk around the mound, get a sense of the scale, maybe take a photo if the light's decent. It takes perhaps twenty minutes, tops. The real appeal is contextual - understanding how settlements evolved around St. Neots, and how a fortified position here would have controlled the River Great Ouse crossing. For keen history types and family walks needing a stop between longer routes, it works. Children might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're genuinely into medieval fortifications.

The site sits within easy striking distance of proper caravan bases. St. Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site is barely half a mile away - handy if you're using George Bower as a quick morning exploration before heading to Cambridgeshire Lakes further south or Grafham Water, where you can actually mess about on the water. No fees or restrictions that I'm aware of, and no facilities onsite, so come prepared.

Worth the detour? Only if you're already in the area. It's solid local history rather than a destination in itself.