Nercwys 2000

The medieval motte-and-bailey castle at Nercwys sits on high ground between Chester and the Clwydian Hills, though these days there's precious little to get excited about unless you're properly into earthworks. What remains is essentially a raised mound with defensive ditches - the kind of thing that takes about ten minutes to walk around and photograph from every angle. The views across Flintshire are decent enough, and it's genuinely quiet, which counts for something.

This is one for the hardcore history types rather than families hoping for battlements to clamber over. Kids will get bored within five minutes unless you're brilliant at making motte-and-bailey castles sound thrilling. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation panels of note, just the earthwork itself and whatever your imagination brings to it. Access appears to be free and you can visit any time - it's basically just a field.

If you're staying at Honeypot Hideaways Glamping or Willow Farm Glamping nearby, it's a reasonable detour for a short walk, particularly if the weather's cooperative. It makes sense as a stop between Chester and the Clwydian range rather than as a destination in itself. The location matters more than the remains - you get a real sense of why someone planted a castle here centuries ago. Worth fifteen minutes if you're passing through Flintshire, but don't plan your holiday around it.