Fotheringhay Castle

The motte-and-bailey earthworks at Fotheringhay are all that's left now - a lumpy green hill rising from the Northamptonshire countryside near Peterborough, where Mary Queen of Scots was executed in 1587. The castle itself has long gone, demolished after the English Civil War, but you can still walk the raised banks and imagine the medieval fortress that once dominated this landscape.

It's a sobering spot. The execution chamber where Mary met her end would have stood somewhere on this mound, making it heavy with history if you're into that sort of thing. The earthworks take maybe twenty minutes to explore properly, less if you're just after a quick look and a photo. There's a small stone monument marking the significance of the place, and the riverside setting is genuinely pleasant - nice for a riverside walk from nearby Peterborough.

Honestly, it's not going to hold anyone's attention for long. Families with young children will lose interest fast since there's no castle to actually enter, just grass and interpretive boards. History enthusiasts and adults interested in Tudor drama will find it more rewarding, particularly if you've read about Mary Queen of Scots beforehand. The free access is a bonus - no entrance fee, no fixed opening hours, just rock up whenever.

If you're camping at Castle Farm Campsite just down the road, it's an easy stroll. Pair it with Ferry Meadows or Rockingham Forest Park for a broader Northamptonshire trip, but don't expect Fotheringhay to be the centrepiece of your holiday. It's a worthwhile detour if you're passing, nothing more.