Mere Castle

The earthworks at Mere Castle are less dramatic than the name suggests, but that's rather the point. What you're standing on is a motte-and-bailey fortification dating back to the Norman period - essentially a raised mound topped with a wooden palisade, surrounded by ditches that have softened into gentle slopes over nine centuries. It's the sort of place where history feels tactile rather than grand.

From Warminster, it's a straightforward journey across the Wiltshire landscape. The site itself is free to wander, though there's not much to detain you for longer than forty minutes unless you're genuinely interested in medieval military architecture. The views across the Somerset levels are decent enough, and kids will enjoy scrambling up the grassy slopes - just watch for the ditches if you're visiting after rain.

This works best as part of a broader castle trail rather than a destination in itself. If you're camped at Sunnyhill Campsite, it's close enough for a morning expedition before heading elsewhere. The appeal lies in understanding how Norman lords kept control of the landscape through these practical fortifications, not in expecting stonework or battlements.

Best visited in dry weather when the ground's firm underfoot. Spring and autumn suit the exposed position better than summer can, and the surrounding countryside is worth exploring once you've clambered about the mound itself. Bring binoculars if you're keen on spotting features across the levels.