Meppershall Castel

You'll struggle to find much of Meppershall Castle standing today - and that's rather the point. What remains is essentially a grassy mound with a few scattered stones, located near the village of Meppershall just east of Henlow. It's a Norman motte-and-bailey, the kind of earthwork fortification that dotted England after 1066, though nothing remains of the wooden or stone structures that once crowned it.

Historically minded visitors will find something here, especially those interested in early medieval military architecture. The earthwork itself tells a story about how the Normans controlled the landscape, even if the castle itself fell into ruin centuries ago. It won't take long to walk round - fifteen minutes maximum - so treat it as a brief stop rather than a destination in itself.

If you're camped at Henlow Bridge Lakes or Radwell Lake campsite during a Hertfordshire park holiday, it's worth a gentle detour on a afternoon walk. The surrounding countryside is pleasant enough for a ramble, and there's something satisfying about standing on a piece of English history, even if what you're looking at is more bump than building. Don't expect interpretation boards or facilities - just find the mound and use your imagination. Families with very young children might lose interest quickly, but anyone who enjoys exploring lesser-known historical sites will appreciate the peace and relative obscurity of the place.