Site of Castlethorpe Castle

All that remains of Castlethorpe Castle is a low earthwork mound in the Northamptonshire countryside, a few miles south of Milton Keynes. It's the kind of site that rewards curiosity more than it delivers spectacle. The castle itself was a Norman stronghold built in the 12th century, but centuries of neglect and agricultural use have worn it down to what amounts to a grassy bump in a field. You won't find interpretive boards or a visitor centre here - this is archaeology in the raw.

What makes it worth a visit depends entirely on what gets you going. If you're into medieval fortifications and don't mind squinting at earthworks, you'll find the layout interesting enough - the mound and bailey structure is still readable if you know what you're looking for. Family groups with young kids might find it underwhelming; there's no play value and not much to do once you've had a look around. History enthusiasts and serious walkers using the local footpath network will get more from it.

There's no entry fee or facilities - you simply turn up and have a look from the public footpath. Allow 20 minutes maximum unless you're combining it with a longer walk. It's free accommodation fodder if you're staying at Cosgrove Park or one of the other nearby campsites, and close enough to Milton Keynes for a quick morning outing if the weather's decent. Frankly, it's a bonus stop rather than a destination in itself.