Resugga Castle

Crumbling walls and grassy earthworks mark where this Iron Age hillfort once commanded sweeping views across mid-Cornwall. Resugga Castle isn't actually a castle at all - the name's a bit misleading - but rather the remains of an ancient settlement that would have housed local tribes over 2,000 years ago.

Climbing up to the site from St Stephen, you'll find yourself wondering if you've taken the right path. The ruins are fairly modest, consisting mainly of stone foundations and defensive ditches that take a fair bit of imagination to bring to life. History enthusiasts will appreciate the sense of standing where Iron Age families once lived, but casual visitors might find it all rather underwhelming.

What makes the trek worthwhile is the location itself. The elevated position offers lovely views over the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day you can see right across to the coast. It's free to wander around (assuming you can find it), and you'll likely have the place to yourself.

Families staying at nearby parks like Heligan Caravan and Camping Park or Pentewan Sands Holiday Park could easily combine this with a walk, though don't expect to spend more than half an hour here unless you're really into archaeology. The kids will probably be more interested in scrambling over the earthworks than learning about ancient Cornwall.