Lammerside Castle

A proper fell-top ruin that commands the landscape around Kirkby Stephen, Lammerside Castle sits high enough that you feel you've actually gone somewhere to reach it. What remains are the sturdy stone walls of a 14th-century stronghold - nothing fancy, but substantial enough to remind you this was serious defensive architecture once upon a time.

The walk up gets your legs working, and that's before you've even started exploring the ruins themselves. On a clear day the views across the Eden Valley are genuinely worth the climb. It's the sort of place where you understand why someone built a castle there - total command of the approach roads.

Historically minded visitors will get proper value from this one. It's not a major tourist draw, which means you'll likely have the site mostly to yourself, though that also means there's minimal interpretation on the ground. You'll need to do your homework beforehand or bring a local guide book. Families with young children might find the approach a bit steep for what amounts to a ruin, but older kids who've got their hiking legs will find it a decent half-day objective.

Free to access and no formal opening hours that we can pin down, which is typical for Cumbrian ruins at this end of the market. If you're staying at Gillcumber Glamping Pods nearby, this makes an excellent morning expedition before settling in for the evening. Factor in ninety minutes return from the car park, give or take.