Near to Marton Mere Holiday Village you will find some great Castles to explore.
Lancaster Castle - is an intact medieval castle and former prison, started around 1088. The Scots attacked the castle in 1322 and again in 1389, but did not take it. The castle did not see military action again until the English Civil War when it changed hands several times before being slighted. Parts of the castle used for the gaol and courts were spared. Still used as a Crown Court, guided tours of the building take place on a daily basis. Admission fees apply.
Clitheroe Castle - is the remains of three-storeys-high castle keep and modern museum. Started in 1186 The stone keep is enclosed within a curtain wall, only part of which remains. Standing almost three storeys high but now roofless, the keep was damaged by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War. Within the castle grounds is a museum which explains the castle's history. There is free open access to the castle and a small admission fee to the museum.
Hapton Castle - scant remains of medieval castle. Not much remains of this castle, however it was surrounded on two sides by a substantial moat. The castle is thought to have comprised a stone tower keep surrounded by either a stone or wooden wall. The castles was occupied between the 14th and 17th centuries. The castle remained the seat of the Lords of Hapton until 1510, although it was still inhabited in 1667. Hapton was in ruins by 1725, with most of the stone structure robbed out by 1800. Usually free and open access at any reasonable time.
Halton Castle - the remains of an 11th century castle. Halton castle was badly damaged during the Civil War although parts of the structure (mainly the gatehouse) was used up until 1737. In 1737 a courthouse was built on the site which also operated as a prison. The castle's interior is periodically opened to the public.
Chester Castle - surviving part of the medieval Chester Castle. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1070, only the 12th century tower remains today. The original wooden motte and bailey castle was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century along with the outer bailey. The remainder of the castle was destroyed by fire in the late 18th century. Free open access at any reasonable time.
Skipton Castle - is one of the most complete medieval castles in England. Originally built around 1090 in wood however rebuilt in stone shortly afterwards. During the English Civil War the castle was a Royalist stronghold, and following a three-year siege in 1645, it surrendered to Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarians. Local legend has it that during the siege the castle walls were draped with sheep fleeces to deaden the impact from incoming cannon fire. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.