Belan Bach Lodges - Fun Days Out

Whittington Castle stands in the village of Whittington in northern Shropshire, close to the Welsh border and the old fort of Old Oswestry. It began as a motte-and-bailey castle and was rebuilt in the 13th century, with buildings along a curtain wall, five towers on a raised platform, a moat and an outer gatehouse or barbican.

There is plenty of history to take in, from the Norman and FitzWarin families to attacks by Welsh princes. A 2003 investigation found that the outer bailey held two elaborate gardens surrounded by water in the 14th century, with a viewing mound in the centre that may be the oldest of its type found in England. The castle is now cared for by a community trust after a major renovation, and a re-enactment group gathers here each year to stage battles.

Tip: Look for the viewing mound in the centre of the site, which may be the oldest of its kind found in England.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen. Designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, it is a cast iron trough held 127 ft (39 m) above the river on eighteen hollow masonry piers, with 19 arched spans. It is 336 yards (307 m) long and about 12 feet wide.

The aqueduct is made for narrowboats, and a towpath runs alongside the water on one side, so you can see the structure from the canal itself. It is a Grade I listed building and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trevor Basin sits just over the aqueduct, at the end of the canal route that was completed.

Shrewsbury Castle is a Grade I listed red sandstone castle standing on a hill in the neck of the River Severn's meander. Ordered by William I around 1067, it was extended as a base for operations into Wales. Parts of the original medieval structure remain, including the inner bailey.

Inside, the museum tells the story of the county's regimental past, from the King's Shropshire Light Infantry to the 53rd and 85th regiments. Collections include a lock of Napoleon Bonaparte's hair, Karl Dönitz's Grand Admiral's Baton and several Victoria Crosses. Laura's Tower overlooks the townscape and countryside. History fans and anyone curious about military heritage will enjoy it, and the grounds make a pleasant stop in the middle of town.

Tip: Access to the castle grounds is free, so you can look around them even if you don't go into the museum.

Clun Castle is a ruined Welsh border castle on a rocky mound beside the River Clun, on the edge of the small, picturesque town of Clun. Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest, it still has its tall 13th century keep, which unusually sits on the side of the mound, along with extensive earthworks to wander around.

Bring a picnic and let the children run around and explore. It is also a good spot for dogs, though Hemlock and Hemlock water dropwort grow around the site and in the river, so keep dogs on leads and children closely supervised. The village is a short walk away for food, shops and pubs. Stokesay Castle, Wigmore Castle and Acton Burnell Castle are all nearby if you fancy a castle-hopping day.

Tip: Wear sturdy footwear as the grounds have steep slopes and uneven ground; there is a free car park next to the castle, with toilets, reached by a footbridge with steps.