Newcastle Emlyn Castle

The ruins of Newcastle Emlyn Castle sit on a bend of the River Teifi, just outside Llandysul in Carmarthenshire. What remains today is largely a crumbling stone shell - the keep and outer walls are still standing, but time and Welsh weather have done their work. It's the sort of place you wander around for 20 minutes, taking photos from different angles, getting a feel for what life was like when the castle actually mattered in the 13th century.

This isn't a destination in itself. It's a proper bonus if you're already exploring the Teifi Valley - walkers love it because the castle sits right alongside good riverside paths, and there's a car park nearby so you needn't trek far. History types will find it genuinely interesting; the architecture tells you a lot about medieval Welsh defences. Kids might get restless after a quarter of an hour unless they're the sort who enjoy climbing on old stones.

Best done on a clear day when the light hits the stonework properly. Access appears to be free and open year-round, though there's not much in the way of facilities. If you're staying at The Hiveaway or Wild Wellingtons Glamping - both within a few miles - it's absolutely worth the short drive. Combine it with walks along the Teifi itself or a visit to nearby villages like Cenarth, and you've got yourself a solid half-day out.