National Trust - Scotney Castle

The castle sits in a proper wooded valley just outside Wadhurst, and what strikes you first is how the thing actually looks like a castle should - all crenellations and drama, reflected in its own moat. Built in the 14th century and then given the full Victorian makeover in the 1830s, Scotney manages to feel both genuinely medieval and utterly romantic at the same time.

You can walk the grounds year-round, which is the real draw here. The National Trust has done smart work with the paths - there's a gentle loop around the estate that takes you past the old castle ruin down to the water, through woodland thick enough to make you forget the Weald is just beyond the treeline. Spring brings rhododendrons that verge on the ridiculous in their pinkness. Summer's fine if you don't mind sharing the place with school groups. Autumn's probably the sweet spot - fewer bodies, better light, and the trees actually earn their keep.

History enthusiasts will get mileage from the whole restoration story - how a family essentially rebuilt half the castle to live in it properly. Kids won't be bored if they're the type who enjoy a good stomp through the woods and a bit of water to poke around, though it's not a theme-park sort of experience.

It's about ninety minutes from any of the local glamping spots - Hopgarden or Colts Hill are both excellent bases if you're after a proper weekend. Admission's not free but reasonable. Allow two hours minimum if you're doing the full walk.