Ynysfor Hillfort

Stone ramparts rise from the hilltop like ancient teeth, marking where Iron Age tribes once watched the valleys below. Ynysfor Hillfort sits on commanding high ground near Caernarfon, its defensive earthworks still clearly visible after two millennia.

History buffs will love picking out the original layout - you can trace the circular stone walls that once protected homes and livestock from raiders. The views alone justify the climb, stretching across Snowdonia's peaks to the coast. On clear days, you'll spot Anglesey shimmering beyond the Menai Strait.

Expect a proper walk to reach it - this isn't one for pushchairs or anyone who struggles with rough terrain. The path can be muddy after rain, and there's no visitor centre or facilities up here. It's just you, the ruins, and whatever weather Snowdonia throws at you.

Families staying at nearby Haven Greenacres or the camping spots around Beddgelert could easily combine this with other Gwynedd attractions. Allow two hours including the walk, and bring sturdy boots. Early morning visits often reward you with mist clinging to the valleys - properly atmospheric stuff that makes you understand why our ancestors chose this spot to build their fortress.