Eden Lodge Retreat - Fun Days Out

Carlisle Castle guarded the western end of the Anglo-Scottish border for hundreds of years and survived seven sieges by the Scots between 1174 and 1461. It was later adapted for artillery, and in 1568 it held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner. It stayed in military use well into the 20th century.

You can explore the Tudor battery, the 12th-century gatehouse and the recently conserved keep, which has 15th-century carvings on its second floor. Other things to see and do include Queen Mary's Tower, the Warden's apartments and an exhibition. Inside the castle is Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, which covers the Border Regiment's 300-year history. There is also a World Builder trail where you can build your own city.

Tip: Booking advance tickets online saves 15%, and arriving by bus, train or bike gets you 20% off entry at the site on the day.

Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall, near the village of Bardon Mill in Northumberland. It was occupied from roughly 85 AD to 370 AD and is one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year. It is also the home of the Vindolanda Writing Tablets, wooden leaf-tablets that were the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain when they were found.

On site you can explore the fort and its museum, and see artefacts and films that bring the Roman frontier to life. Guided tours of the fort give an overview of the site and its archaeological highlights. The Trust also runs the Roman Army Museum, based at the site of Magna Roman Fort beside a sweeping stretch of the Wall, and a single Saver Ticket covers both sites. It suits anyone who likes history and wants to see archaeology still being uncovered.

Tip: Combine it with the Roman Army Museum on one Saver Ticket, and check the tour timetable for the guided fort tours.

Brougham Castle is a red-sandstone castle standing near the site of a Roman fort, guarding a river crossing south-east of Penrith. It was founded in the early 13th century by Robert de Vieuxpont, and his great keep still dominates the site. The powerful Clifford family later added more buildings, including an unusual double gatehouse and the Tower of League.

There is a lot to explore. Climb the spiral stairs to the top of the keep for panoramic views over the Eden Valley. Inside, an exhibition tells the story of Lady Anne Clifford, who restored the castle after it fell into decay, and her Countess Pillar stands nearby. Children can follow a legendary trail and build their own legend, one of four World Builder Challenge trails at English Heritage sites.

Tip: Head up the spiral stairs to the top of the keep for panoramic views over the Eden Valley.

Lowther Castle is a ruined country house near Penrith, built in the early 19th century and left as a dramatic shell after the roof was removed and the building demolished in the 1950s. You can explore the ruins, then wander the 130 acres of gardens, which include the Parterre, the Garden-in-the-Ruins, the Rose Garden, wildflower meadows and rambling woodland. The gardens are being restored to a masterplan by designer Dan Pearson.

Inside, the Story of Lowther exhibition tells the history of the family and the estate through its houses, people, horses and treasures. Children can head for the lost castle, one of the UK's largest adventure playgrounds. There is a café and a takeaway for food, and bikes can be hired to explore the wider park. Dogs on leads are welcome. It suits families, garden lovers and anyone who likes a ruin with a story.

Tip: Walk out to the Western Terrace for a spectacular view over the Lowther Valley to the Lake District mountains, and dress for all weathers.

Caerlaverock is a moated castle on the southern coast of Scotland, about seven miles south of Dumfries. Its triangular shape is unique among British castles, and it has a wide moat, a twin-towered gatehouse and lofty battlements. First built in the 13th century, it was the stronghold of the Maxwell family and was besieged by the English during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Walk all the way around the moat to appreciate the castle's strength and shape, then cross the drawbridge into the courtyard. Climb to the South range for good views of the east range and the moat. A short nature trail leads to the foundations of an older castle that came before it. Afterwards, stroll the grounds or the neighbouring Caerlaverock Nature Reserve.

Tip: Head up to the South range for the best views over the moat, then follow the short nature trail to the older castle's foundations.

Hermitage Castle is a semi-ruined stronghold in the remote valley of the Hermitage Water, in Scotland's wild border country. It was targeted for 400 years because of its role in controlling the Scottish Middle March, and it has a name as one of the most sinister and atmospheric castles in Scotland.

Wander through the ruins and picture the brutal struggles for power that once raged along the Anglo-Scottish border. The castle's story takes in murder, torture and treason, with names such as Mary, Queen of Scots and the Earl of Bothwell woven through it. A fact-finding quiz is available to follow as you explore, which adds a bit of fun to the visit.

It's a good pick if you enjoy border history and like the splendid isolation of a castle set well away from everything else. The castle is run by Historic Environment Scotland.

Tip: In the summer season (1 April to 31 October) it is covered by the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass, but not in winter, so check before you go.

Penrith Castle is a ruined medieval fortress in the west of the town, on the edge of the Lake District. It was begun in the late 14th century by Ralph Neville to help defend the area against the Scots, and was later turned into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who became Richard III.

The walls survive to their full height and stand in a public park, so you can wander round at your own pace. Look for the projecting corbels on the eastern front and the large vaults, which were probably prisons. There are steps to reach some areas of the castle.

It suits history fans and anyone wanting a short castle stop in town. Brougham Castle, less than two miles away, sits by the River Eamont and is part of a walk devised by the Eden Rivers Trust.

Tip: Parking is around the town, with only a few spaces at the park entrance, so be prepared to park nearby.

Annandale Distillery in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, makes single malt Scotch whisky and describes itself as Scotland's only single cask single malt distillery. Every cask is bottled on its own, never vatted. The distillery was founded in 1836, closed in 1924 and was restored after 2007, and it now sits beside a visitor centre.

On a tour, guides walk you through how the whisky is made and finish with guided tastings. You'll hear about the two expressions: the unpeated Man O' Words, named after Robert Burns, and the peated Man O' Sword, named after Robert the Bruce, once Lord of Annandale. Afterwards you can unwind at the Maltings Coffee Shop. It suits whisky fans and anyone curious about Burns and Bruce connections to the area, and the distillery also runs events and tastings.

Tip: Finish your visit with a stop at the Maltings Coffee Shop.