Watching over the scenic River Dart, Totnes Castle stands high above the town of Totnes in Devon. The castle was built 900 years ago during the Norman Conquest, almost certainly by one of William the Conqueror’s commanders. It is an excellent example of a motte-and-bailey castle, with a later stone keep, giving sweeping views across Dartmoor.

Today as you climb the steps of the castle, you are rewarded with spectacular panoramas across the valley. The wall walk extends 360 degrees around the top of the keep, offering the best vantage points over the bustling town below. If you look closely and you can still see the defensive arrow slits in the mighty castle walls.

Once you have explored the castle keep and bailey, take a walk around the outside walls to see the steep sided ditch and outer bank which would have formed part of the original defences for the entrance. Now covered in wildflowers and plants, it is a beautiful walk giving you a sense of how it would have looked centuries ago.

Top tips

• Enjoy a picnic in the peaceful grounds under the shelter of age old trees – there is plenty of space for families to relax on a summer’s day.
• Combine your visit with one to nearby Dartmouth and Berry Pomeroy Castles, just a short drive away.