Site of Ilton Castle

The earthworks that mark Ilton Castle's former stronghold sit quietly on the Devon landscape, a few miles from Kingsbridge, with precious little fanfare. What you're actually looking at are the grassy banks and ditches that once formed the defences of a medieval fortification - nothing remains of buildings or walls, so you're reading the land itself like an archaeological text.

It's the sort of place that appeals to serious history walkers and anyone interested in how castles worked defensively, rather than those expecting dramatic ruins. The site itself is free to visit and accessible year-round, though there's no visitor infrastructure whatsoever - just the earthworks in a field. Allow twenty minutes to half an hour to walk the perimeter and take in what's there, unless you're the type to sit and contemplate the bones of medieval power for longer.

The real draw here is combining it with other walks in the area. Kingsbridge itself has enough charm to warrant an afternoon, and staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Karrageen, Wilton Farm, or South Devon Camping at Lower Terawhiti Farm - puts you within easy reach of this and the wider South Hams countryside. It's not a destination on its own, but rather a worthwhile detour for walkers exploring the parish footpaths around the Kingsbridge peninsula.

Bring decent boots. The site can get muddy, and there's no clear interpretation on the ground. If you're interested in medieval fortifications, the earthworks tell a story worth reading.