Heartsease Lodges - Fun Days Out

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.

Ludlow Castle is a partly ruined medieval fortress in the Shropshire market town of Ludlow, standing on a high promontory above the River Teme. Probably founded around 1075, it was one of the first stone castles built in England and later became the seat of the Council of Wales and the Marches.

You can walk through the castle grounds and explore the ruined lodgings of kings, queens, princes, judges and nobility, a glimpse into medieval and Tudor life. Highlights include the Great Tower, the Great Hall and a rare circular chapel modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The views over the Shropshire countryside are superb. The castle covers almost five acres, and a guide book is available if you want the full story. There is a cafe and a gift shop on site.

Tip: There is no parking at the castle itself, so plan to park in the town and walk in.

Stokesay is a moated, walled manor house near Craven Arms. Though it looks like a castle, it was really a lightly defended mansion, with work completed by 1291. The stone hall and solar block sit behind two stone towers, and the hall keeps its 13th-century wooden-beamed ceiling. The timber and plaster gatehouse at the entrance dates from the 17th century.

You can explore the Great Hall, climb the North Tower, look inside the Solar and take the walled garden and moat walk. There is an audio tour, and families can follow a puzzle quest inspired by local giants. The playground is themed on the castle's towers and gatehouse. The dog-friendly cottage tearoom outside the castle has a log burner and outdoor seating with views of the Shropshire Hills.

Tip: Book advance tickets online through English Heritage, and finish with a break in the tearoom, which is open to all and welcomes dogs.

Croft Castle is a castellated 17th-century manor house that has been the home of the Croft family for many centuries. Inside, you can look round the castle rooms, while outside there are colourful herbaceous borders, a secret garden and a walled garden with a small working vineyard, historic apple trees and a glasshouse. The church of St Michael and All Angels stands opposite, and parts of it date back to the 12th century.

The real draw for many is the 1,500 acres of historic parkland, with woodland, farmland, the picturesque Fishpool Valley, an Iron Age hillfort and ancient trees. Families can head for the castle play area or the natural play area with rope swings and balance beams. Walkers have plenty of routes to choose from, and the tea-room serves snacks, sandwiches, cakes, pasties and ice creams.

Tip: Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden and parkland but not in the house. Satnav users should enter HR6 0BL, as the National Trust recommends.

Hay Castle is a medieval fortification with a 17th-century mansion alongside, right in the centre of the book town of Hay-on-Wye. Founded by the Normans and rebuilt in stone around 1200, it has been attacked and burnt several times over the centuries. After years of restoration it now works as a centre for arts, literature and learning, with an exhibition gallery inside a modern refit of the old building.

You can explore the floors of the castle, visit the gallery and head up to the roof of the keep for views over the town and the River Wye. It's also home to the world's first Honesty Bookshop, and there's a café and shop. The Great Hall is free to enter. It suits history fans, book lovers and anyone who fancies pairing a castle visit with a wander around Hay's streets.

Tip: Use the large public car park off Oxford Road, which has free electric vehicle charging points. Dogs must stay on a lead, and are welcome on the ground floor, in the café and in the grounds.