Bishop's Castle (remains)

What's left of Bishop's Castle sits on a grassy mound just outside the market town that bears its name. Don't expect towering walls or grand gatehouses - this is archaeology rather than architecture. The earthwork remains and scattered stone foundations require a fair bit of imagination to picture the 13th-century fortress that once dominated this corner of the Welsh borders.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of this spot, where Roger de Montgomery built his stronghold to control the volatile frontier between England and Wales. Kids might find it a bit disappointing after visiting more complete castles, though the raised position does offer decent views across the surrounding countryside. It's free to wander around what remains, and you'll have the place largely to yourself.

The castle works well as a quick stop if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Bow House Country Park or Camlad Valley Luxury Pods. Bishop's Castle town itself is worth exploring for its independent shops and pubs, making this more of a half-day excursion than a destination in itself. The walk up takes about ten minutes from the town centre, and there's not much to detain you for more than half an hour unless you're particularly keen on medieval border history.