This amazingly preserved castle is situated in the gorgeous moorland village of Lydford. It is maintained by English Heritage and free to visit.

It is open year round during ‘reasonable daylight hours’ and has both the castle, and lovely grounds to explore.

Lydford has lots of evidence of its Saxon Banks, and there are a tempting array of hills for children to roll down or on which to enjoy a picnic in the sun.

It’s possible to explore parts of the interior, and there are enough preserved parts to have a good game of ‘imagining you’re in a battle!’

On road parking is free in the village and the Castle is right next to a lovely pub, unsurprisingly called the Castle Inn!