King's Castle

The earthworks at King's Castle rise sharply from the Somerset countryside just outside Taunton, and they're impressive in a way that doesn't quite announce itself from the road. What you're actually standing in is an Iron Age hillfort, though calling it a castle is generous - the Normans did that later, which tells you something about how people have always tried to make sense of this landscape.

You can walk the ramparts and trace the defensive ditches without much fuss. The views across the Quantock Hills are proper lovely, and on a clear day you get why someone chose this spot 2,000 years ago. It's not a visitor centre with explanatory boards and a cafe - you're essentially poking about in a field with ancient earthworks, which is either exactly what you want or a bit underwhelming depending on your mood.

History buffs and walkers will find it worthwhile. Kids might manage twenty minutes before asking why there's nothing to climb on, though the slopes are steep enough to make them work for it. The nearest substantial settlement for facilities is Taunton itself, a short drive away.

If you're already staying at Middle Stone Farm Glamping or Waterrow Touring Park, it's a good excuse for an afternoon walk rather than a destination in itself. Summer's best for the views and for not squelching through mud. Free to access, obviously - there's nothing there to charge for.