The White Tower

The White Tower isn't actually in Shrewsbury itself - it's the remains of a Norman keep that once dominated the landscape near the market town. What you get now is a substantial stone ruin, impressively solid despite the centuries, standing as a rather stark reminder of medieval military architecture. The tower's worth a visit if you're into that sort of thing, but manage your expectations. It's not a complete structure you can climb inside; more a chance to walk around the perimeter and imagine what life looked like when this was the focal point of local power.

History buffs will appreciate what it represents in the broader picture of Norman England. Families with young children might find twenty minutes enough before heading elsewhere - there's not masses to do once you've had a proper look. The site itself is free to access, which is just as well, and you can visit anytime. Spring or early autumn beat summer, frankly, when Shropshire's midges can be relentless.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Hawk Lake's your closest option at just over a mile away - the Tower works as a quiet morning or late afternoon wander before returning to camp. It pairs well with exploring Shrewsbury's town centre itself, which has far more to grip your attention. Don't expect to spend hours here, but it's a solid footnote to a Shropshire break, particularly if you're already in the area visiting other Norman sites.