Tomen Y Bala

A grassy mound with a flat top and steep sides - that's what you get at Tomen y Bala, a Norman motte-and-bailey castle that sits rather dramatically above the town itself. The earthwork is proper impressive when you actually stand at its base, though the castle itself vanished centuries ago, leaving just the skeletal outline of what was once a genuine fortification.

The walk up takes maybe five minutes from the edge of Bala town centre, and it's worth doing on a clear day for the views across the Dee valley. On a murky afternoon, you might wonder why you bothered. The site sits freely accessible - no fees, no barriers, no faffing about - which is refreshing, though there's nowhere official to park or grab information.

History enthusiasts will find the mound fascinating enough as a tangible reminder of Norman invasion and settlement in North Wales, though there's precious little to see beyond the earthwork itself. Kids might manage twenty minutes before boredom sets in, unless they're the sort who enjoy clambering up grassy slopes. It's really a quick diversion rather than a destination in itself.

If you're based at Tyn Cornel Camping nearby, it's absolutely worth the short drive into Bala and a brief scramble up the mound. Combine it with a wander round Bala town itself or time on the lake if you've got an hour to spare. Don't expect ruins or reconstructions - just Welsh history in its rawest, earthiest form.