Restormel Castle

Restormel Castle is a dramatic ruined Norman motte-and-bailey castle sitting on a wooded hilltop near Lostwithiel, within easy day-trip range of Looe. This English Heritage site offers substantial stone remains, circular shell keep walls and a deep central courtyard, giving visiting dogs plenty to sniff while you explore one of Cornwall's best-preserved medieval castles. Dogs are welcome on short leads throughout the castle grounds, so you can potter round the ramparts, investigate the foundations and climb the grassy mound together.

There's no indoor visitor centre or café to factor in—this is an outdoor heritage walk in the sky, with open access to all the ruined structures. The castle opens daily from April to October, 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30. It closes for winter from November through March.

Admission is charged for non-members, with online booking available if you want a discount. Free parking is available on site at the castle, making the whole visit refreshingly straightforward when you've got a curious castle hound in tow.