Higham Gobion Castle

The earthworks at Higham Gobion are what's left of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, and honestly, they're more interesting than they sound. You're looking at a substantial raised mound surrounded by ditches - the kind of defensive structure William the Conqueror's lot threw up across England in the 11th century to keep things under control.

Walking the site near Henlow, you get a real sense of how these early fortifications worked. The motte itself is properly impressive when you're standing at its base, and the bailey ditch runs clearly enough that you can trace the outline without too much imagination. It's not exactly Caernarfon Castle, but for an archaeological site that's been left largely undisturbed, it rewards a decent look around.

Historically minded visitors will find plenty to ponder - this was a working fortress eight centuries ago, and what remains tells you something genuine about Norman tactics and settlement patterns. Kids might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're the type who enjoy clambering up earthworks and playing at sieges. You'll need twenty minutes or so, longer if you're serious about photographs.

The site is free to access and unmanned, so there's no faffing about with opening hours. If you're staying at Henlow Bridge Lakes just down the road, it's worth a morning visit alongside other local walks - it doesn't demand much, but it's a proper piece of English history sitting in a field.