Tiverton Castle

The red sandstone walls of Tiverton Castle rise abruptly from the town centre, impossible to miss as you wander Tiverton's high street. Built in 1106 by Henry I's man Richard de Redvers, it's a proper Norman fortress - the kind that actually saw action rather than just sitting prettily. What strikes you first is how intact the gatehouse still is, all defensive angles and serious business stonework.

You can walk the ramparts if they're open, which gives you decent views over the Exe Valley. The castle grounds themselves are pleasantly kept without feeling sanitised. History buffs will find the medieval architecture genuinely interesting - there's real substance to the layout and you can read the strategic thinking in how it's positioned. Families with younger kids might find it a bit sparse on the entertainment front, mind you. There's no café, no gift shop, just the castle and the Devon countryside.

It's free to access the grounds, though opening can be sporadic depending on volunteer availability, so ring ahead. Allow an hour if you're thorough, half that if you're just grabbing the external photos. The walk up from town is straightforward - couple of minutes from the main shopping area.

If you're basing yourself at Nirvana Glamping nearby, this makes an easy morning stop before heading to Knightshayes Court or exploring the Exe Valley properly. Not a full-day destination, but absolutely worth the detour if you're in Tiverton anyway.