Great Tower

The Great Tower stands just outside Salisbury, a squat brick structure that's part of the town's medieval defences and considerably less dramatic than its name suggests. You're looking at a 15th-century gatehouse - solid, functional, a bit of surviving masonry that tells you more about how Salisbury actually protected itself than any grand narrative would. The tower itself isn't open to the public in the traditional sense, so don't expect to climb inside or find a visitor centre. This is very much an external viewing job, which means you can inspect it for free whenever you fancy, no opening hours to worry about.

It works best if you're already in Salisbury proper, wandering the cathedral close or poking about the high street. History types will appreciate what it represents - a tangible link to medieval town planning and defensive strategy. Kids will find it moderately interesting for about five minutes before asking what's for lunch. The structure sits within spitting distance of the camping options near town, particularly the Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site just half a mile away, so if you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around the area - Bake Farm, Coombe, or Summerlands further out - it's an easy addition to a morning's ramble through town.

Don't expect battlements or drama. It's a straightforward lump of brick doing what it's always done. But if you've got an hour to kill in Salisbury and you're keen on actual medieval bits rather than polished heritage attractions, it's worth the stroll.