"The Castle"

Durham Castle dominates the skyline above the River Wear, a fortress that's been watching over this corner of County Durham since William the Conqueror's lot decided the spot was worth fortifying. You're looking at serious Norman architecture here - the kind of place where the walls are thick enough to stop arrows and the staircases spiral tight enough to trap invaders. Walking through the gatehouse feels like stepping backwards seven centuries, which is precisely the point.

The castle functions as a college now, which means parts are restricted during term time, but the public areas are genuinely worth an hour or two. The keep is the star turn - climb it if your legs are up for the job, because the views across Durham and down the gorge justify every step. The chapel has some lovely medieval touches, and the grounds themselves give you room to breathe and take in the layout of a proper medieval stronghold.

Histories buffs will get more from it than younger kids, who might find the restrictions and lack of interactive exhibits a bit limiting after twenty minutes or so. It's free to wander the grounds and access the public areas, though opening hours vary with university business. Best approach is ringing ahead.

Stay at Castledene Holiday Park just outside Durham - it's well-positioned for exploring the castle and the cathedral together. Both sit perched above the river gorge and deserve a full morning each. The town itself is compact enough to explore on foot once you've done the historic heavy lifting.