Berkeley Castle

The castle sits on a ridge above Dursley looking every inch the Norman fortress it's been since 1067. You get proper medieval vibes here - thick stone walls, a keep that's actually been lived in for nearly a thousand years, and grounds that sprawl across enough space to lose a good hour just wandering.

Inside, there's furniture, tapestries, and the kind of period rooms that history buffs will eat up. The dungeons are genuinely atmospheric if you're into that sort of thing, and kids seem to enjoy the family rooms and interactive elements scattered through. The views across the Severn Valley from the ramparts are worth the climb alone - on a clear day you can see for miles.

Expect to spend two to three hours here if you're thorough, less if you're just doing a quick look-round. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends. The castle does close seasonally, so check ahead before you go.

For a caravan park base, Pepper Pot is closest at 2.5 miles - handy for an afternoon visit without too much driving. The Riverside at The George Inn, five miles out, gives you more amenities if you're staying longer. This works well as part of a broader Gloucestershire trip taking in the surrounding countryside. The castle itself isn't going to fill your whole week, but combined with walks, the Severn, and other local spots, it's a solid half-day outing.