Driffield Castle

The earthworks at Driffield Castle are far more understated than the name suggests - we're talking a Norman motte-and-bailey rather than crenellated walls and towers. What you get instead is a proper sense of how medieval power was actually built in Yorkshire, on a raised mound with defensive ditches still visible after nearly a thousand years.

The site itself isn't flashy, but if you're into earthwork archaeology or just fancy understanding how the Normans planted their flag across the landscape, it repays a walk around. The views from the raised mound across the surrounding fields aren't remarkable, but they're pleasant enough. It's the sort of place that works well for walkers passing through Driffield rather than a dedicated pilgrimage.

You'll want to allow perhaps thirty minutes to properly explore it - less if you're just after a quick look. There's no visitor centre or interpretation, so you'll need to do a bit of imagining about what it once was. It's free to access and you can turn up whenever suits you.

If you're camping at East End Farm Campsite nearby, it's a decent short walk or quick drive to take in before heading out on a bigger Yorkshire exploration. The motte-and-bailey system was everywhere in post-1066 England, but seeing one in situ beats reading about them. That said, it's not the sort of thing that'll keep children entertained for long unless they're genuinely interested in medieval fortifications.