The Middle Bailey Defences and King Richard's Tower

The ruins of Nottingham Castle's Middle Bailey sit right in the town centre, a proper reminder that this place was once a proper fortress. King Richard's Tower stands among the earthworks and crumbling stone - it's the most substantial bit left, and from up there you get a decent view across Nottingham if you can manage the stairs. What strikes you is how little most people notice it. You could walk past a dozen times and miss the significance of the lumps and bumps in the ground.

Historically minded visitors will spend a solid hour picking through the remains and imagining the medieval layout. Kids aged ten and up might find it engaging, though it's not exactly action-packed - there's no visitor centre or interpretation boards to speak of. The site is genuinely free to access, which is refreshing, and you can wander the grounds whenever you fancy.

It works well as part of a Nottingham loop. Pair it with a walk down to Wollaton Park or up to the main castle museum for context. If you're based at Nottingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site just outside town, you're perfectly placed - four miles is nothing. Shelford Nurseries Caravan Park to the south works too, or Little Bunny Retreat if you want something with more facilities. The Middle Bailey won't eat up your whole day, but it's worth an hour if medieval military architecture genuinely interests you. Otherwise, it's a bit of a sideshow.