Lamphey Bishops Palace

The ruins of what was once a seriously impressive medieval palace sit quietly outside Pembroke, and honestly, they're worth stopping for if you're passing through the area. Lamphey Bishops Palace was the summer retreat for the Bishops of St Davids - think of it as their countryside getaway, but vastly grander than anything built by anyone else in the neighbourhood. You're looking at remains dating back to the 13th century, with the most recognisable bits being the substantial stone walls and windows that give you a real sense of how luxurious this place must have been.

What strikes you walking around is the sheer scale of it. The fragmentary walls still stand tall enough to imagine the grand halls and private chambers that once existed here. There's no visitor centre or interpretive boards, which some find frustrating - others rather like that it feels genuinely forgotten rather than packaged up for tourists. You can wander the grounds fairly freely, picking your way through the ruins and getting a proper feel for medieval grandeur without the crowds.

Historically minded types will get the most from this one. Families with small children might find it a bit abstract - there's not much to climb on or interact with directly. Allow 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you potter about. If you're camped at any of the nearby parks - Freshwater East is closest at less than two miles - it's an easy detour on your way to or from Pembroke itself. Free to visit and genuinely off most tourists' radars.