Sheriff Hutton Castle

The ruins of Sheriff Hutton Castle sit in open countryside just outside York, commanding views across the North Yorkshire landscape. What remains today are the impressive earthwork defences and fragments of stone walls - enough to understand the scale of what was once a significant medieval stronghold, but not so much that you'll spend hours picking through rubble.

This is really a spot for walkers and history types rather than casual tourists. You can wander the site freely, which takes about thirty to forty minutes to do properly. The castle played a role in the Wars of the Roses, which gives it some weight if you're interested in that period, though don't expect interpretive boards or visitor facilities. It's just you, the grass, and whatever weather North Yorkshire decides to throw at you.

The location works well if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - York Meadows is less than a mile away, and both are convenient bases for exploring York itself. Sheriff Hutton makes a decent morning detour on the way to or from the city, especially if you fancy a proper walk rather than another museum. The surrounding countryside is decent for rambling, though the castle itself won't take long once you've climbed the mounds and examined what's left of the walls.

Free to visit and open whenever you fancy turning up. It's the sort of place that rewards a bit of curiosity but won't disappoint you if you only give it an hour.