Kielder Waterside - Fun Days Out

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.

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.

Housesteads Roman Fort is an auxiliary fort on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. It sits at the end of a one-mile crag of the Whin Sill, which the Wall runs over, overlooking sparsely populated hills. It has been called the "grandest station" on the Wall and is one of the best-preserved and most extensively displayed forts. The fort's name has been given as Vercovicium, Borcovicus, Borcovicium and Velurtion.

Because the fort had no running water supply, it relied on rainwater, and large stone-lined cisterns can still be seen around its edge. It also has one of the best-preserved stone latrines in Roman Britain. Outside the fort, foundations of the civil settlement remain, including the so-called "Murder House". Finds from the fort are displayed in the site museum. The site is owned by the National Trust and cared for by English Heritage. Vindolanda fort is about 2 miles away.

Aydon Castle is a fortified medieval manor house near Corbridge in Northumberland, and is thought to be one of the least-altered examples in England. Begun in the late 13th century, it was progressively turned into a miniature castle as Anglo-Scottish border warfare grew fiercer, and was attacked at least three times by Scots raiders.

Inside, you can explore the hall, chambers and other rooms, and look out for original fireplaces and a garderobe toilet. You can also climb up to the battlements, then have a picnic in the walled orchard. The castle is less than a mile from the Hadrian's Wall Trail and a short drive from Corbridge Roman Town and Chesters Roman Fort. It is closed for winter, so check it has reopened before you plan a visit.

Tip: English Heritage lists it as closed for winter, so check it has reopened before you travel.

Prudhoe Castle is a ruined medieval castle on the south bank of the River Tyne in Northumberland, now looked after by English Heritage. It sits on a ridge above the river and guarded an important crossing. You approach past a mill pond, through the 14th-century barbican and over the inner ditch to the formidable gatehouse.

Inside, the outer ward holds the remains of several buildings, including the Great Hall, and a manor house built in the early 19th century that houses a visitor's shop and exhibition rooms. Beyond it, the inner ward is dominated by the 12th-century keep, and the gatehouse has an atmospheric chapel. The castle withstood a Scottish attack in the 1170s, and the Umfraville and Percy families held it for centuries. It suits history fans and anyone who likes exploring castle ruins with a good story behind them.

Tip: Check the English Heritage website before you go, as access to the inner ward and chapel is limited to certain days. There is free parking a short walk from the entrance, along a slope with cobbles and loose gravel.