Caister Castle

The ruins stand quite stark against the Norfolk sky - what remains of Caister Castle is basically a fifteen-metre tower, built by John Fastolf in the 1430s and now all that survives of his once-impressive stronghold. It's a museum these days, and you'll spend maybe an hour here looking at Roman finds, medieval artefacts, and displays about the castle's chequered history before it fell into disrepair. The tower itself is the main draw - climb it if you're reasonably fit, and the view out across the marshland toward Great Yarmouth justifies the effort. Kids won't be bored exactly, but they'll be ready to move on quicker than adults who actually care about medieval Norfolk life.

It works best as a half-day stop rather than a destination in itself. The location's genuinely useful if you're based at one of the holiday parks within walking distance - Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park is practically on the doorstep, and California Cliffs over in Great Yarmouth is only a short drive. Combine it with a proper beach day or a wander round Great Yarmouth's seafront, and it slots in nicely. The flat terrain around here suits families with younger kids who wouldn't fancy a long coastal hike. Opening hours can be irregular outside summer, so check ahead before you visit. Admission is modest, and the on-site café is decent enough for a quick cuppa. Fair warning though - if medieval castles don't grab you, this might feel a touch thin on the ground.