Lydford Castle

A steep mound with a stone keep perched on top - that's Lydford Castle, and it's far more interesting than it sounds. The Norman fortress rises sharply from the landscape near Okehampton, commanding views across the moorland that made it a proper power base back in the 11th century. Walking up takes maybe ten minutes, but your legs will know about it.

You get a real sense of medieval defensive thinking here. The keep itself is compact, and you can't get inside, but the sheer height of the mound and the surrounding earthworks tell the story of how seriously they took control of this corner of Devon. It's worth wandering around the base to appreciate the scale.

History types will appreciate this more than casual strollers. Kids might manage it as a quick stop between longer activities - the climb up is a novelty, but there's not much to occupy them once they've reached the top. Allow half an hour maximum unless you're really keen on Norman fortifications.

It's free and accessible year-round, which makes it a handy addition to a Dartmoor holiday. Wolf Wood Treehouses sits just under six miles away, so you could easily build this into a day exploring the area around Okehampton. The castle works best on a clear day when those moorland views actually justify the climb. In mist, it's a bit underwhelming.