Roundhay Castle (Folly)

A crumbling stone tower rises from the grass in Roundhay Park, Leeds - this is the castle, though calling it that stretches the definition rather far. Built in 1825 as a folly by wealthy merchant John Marshall, it's essentially a three-storey mock-castle shell with precious little inside. You'll spot it from the main paths through the park, and most visitors stop for ten minutes to circle it, take a photo, maybe peer through the windows at the empty interior.

It's not going to hold your attention for long, but that's rather the point. The real appeal here is Roundhay Park itself - one of Leeds' best green spaces with proper woodland walks, two lakes, and gardens that actually deserve an afternoon. The folly works best as a quirky punctuation mark in a longer park ramble rather than a destination in itself. Kids might find the tower mildly interesting for five minutes, but they'll get far more entertainment from the open spaces and water features.

Free to visit, obviously - it's just standing there in public parkland. The park's open year-round, though spring and summer are considerably pleasanter for wandering about. If you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby - Glenfield or Moor Lodge are both within easy reach - working the castle into a morning stroll makes sense. Don't arrive expecting architectural drama or interactive exhibits. Just accept it for what it is: an eccentric Victorian's architectural whim, still standing after two centuries. Worth a detour if you're already in the park, but don't make a special trip.