Walton Castle

What remains of Walton Castle is essentially a handful of crumbling red-brick walls jutting out of the Suffolk coastline, about three miles east of Felixstowe. It's a Roman fort, built around 280 AD to defend against Saxon raiders, and today it's the sort of place where you stand and squint at what's left while your brain does the heavy lifting.

The castle itself isn't much to look at - the sea has claimed most of it over the centuries, and what survives is honestly a bit underwhelming if you're expecting drama. That said, there's something compelling about standing on this eroding cliff face knowing this was once a proper defensive position. The walk here from Felixstowe seafront is pleasant enough, and on a clear day you get decent views across the water.

History nerds will appreciate it more than most. If you're into Roman Britain or coastal archaeology, it's worth an hour of your time. Families with young children might find it a bit thin - there's no visitors' centre, no facilities, just the fragments and some interpretation boards. Walkers benefit more from the route itself than the destination.

It's free and accessible year-round, though winter gales can make the cliff path properly treacherous. Spring and early autumn are best. If you're staying at Peewit Caravans or Felixstowe Beach Holiday Park nearby, it's a decent morning outing before lunch. Just don't expect fortifications - expect a history lesson written in crumbling brick and erosion.