5 classic castles to visit

Dover Castle has King Arthur, but there are other forbidding fortresses - with added summer attractions - that make a great day out.

WINDSOR CASTLE The largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor has a spectacular park setting. Inside there's Queen Mary's Dolls' House to admire and bloodthirsty children will enjoy the huge selection of weaponry. Windsor, Berks (020-7766 7304). £11.50, child £6, under-fives free. www.royal.gov.uk.

LEEDS CASTLE This Norman stronghold was mentioned in the Doomsday

Book. Set on a beautiful lake, it has 500 acres of grounds, a maze and a secret underground grotto. Daily activities include falconry, Punch And Judy and circus skills. Maidstone, Kent (0870 600 8880). £12, child £8.50, under-fours free. www.leeds-castle.com.

BODIAM CASTLE From the outside it's one of the most picture-perfect castles in Britain, while the inside is home to bats and endless small beasties. There are history and nature interpretation weekends throughout August, plus a Discovery Centre where children can try on medieval costumes. Bodiam, nr Robertsbridge, Kent (01580 830 436). £4, child £2. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

MOUNTFITCHET CASTLE This reconstructed castle and village has plenty of gore --including dungeons with lifelike models of incarcerated prisoners. The village gives a sense of what life was like around 1066. Stansted, Essex (01279 813 237). £5, under-14s £4. www.gold.enta.net.

ARUNDEL CASTLE Still the home of the Duke Of Norfolk, this castle has amazing views from the keep. Extensive grounds, a quaint town to explore and Littlehampton's childfriendly beaches four miles down the road. Arundel, West Sussex (01903 883 136). £9, children £5.50, under-fives free. www.arundelcastle.org.