Whorlton Castle

The ruins of Whorlton Castle sit on a gentle rise above the River Swale, a proper crumbling fortress that's been slowly returning to earth since the 17th century. What you get here is a motte-and-bailey earthwork with the stone remains of a keep - enough to photograph and poke around, though don't expect a full castle experience. It's the kind of place where you can stand in what used to be a room, look out over the valley, and think about centuries of people doing exactly the same thing.

Walkers get the most from Whorlton. It sits within reach of decent rambling routes along the Swale valley, and the walk itself - through proper North Yorkshire countryside between Northallerton and the ruins - is often nicer than the destination. History types will appreciate the Norman origins and the layers of medieval rebuilding, even if there's not much interpretation on site. Kids might manage twenty minutes, possibly less if they're not into clambering over stones.

Access appears to be free and open most of the time, though there's nothing official about opening hours or facilities. Allow an hour if you're combining it with a valley walk. The nearby Whorlton Pods and Cote Ghyll Caravan Park both sit close enough that you could easily visit as part of a wider exploration of the area. It's not a day out on its own, but it's a worthwhile stop if you're already out walking in this part of Yorkshire.