Rayleigh Mount

The mound rises abruptly from the Essex flatlands just outside Benfleet, a proper lump of earth that catches you off guard. Rayleigh Mount is what's left of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle built around 1100, and while the keep has long gone, the earthwork itself tells the story well enough. You can walk right up it - takes about five minutes - and from the top you get views across the town and surrounding countryside that justify the mild huff climbing it involves.

It's the sort of place that works best if you've got an interest in medieval fortifications or local history. Kids who like climbing things and spotting views will get a kick out of it; those expecting a full day's entertainment will find thirty minutes is about the limit. The mound is free to access and sits within a small public park, so you can turn it into a decent walk if you combine it with a wander round the grounds.

For a proper day out, it pairs reasonably well with other bits of Essex heritage nearby - Benfleet itself has some decent walks along the Thames-side paths. If you're staying at Essex Glamping just down the road, it's worth a quick visit on the way back to your accommodation. Come when it's not boggy if you can. Winter rain turns the grass into a proper squelch.