When I was a child my parents had a copy of the AA Book of the Road. A big beige book covered with a black plastic protective jacket. Oh, what treasures it held. When we went out on journeys the book went with us, and I would sit on the back seat poring over the pages. What wonders there were to be found out and about in the UK. Who knew? Not I. Within its hardback covers lay undiscovered worlds, secret places, forts, rivers, museums … I loved the drawings, the facts and figures, the sense that there was an adventure around every corner.

So I was delighted to discover Tiny Castles by Dixe Wills. It’s an entertaining look at some of the UK’s more modest fortified buildings – from Henry VIII’s beautifully preserved St Mawes Castle in Cornwall to Cubbie Roo’s Castle in Orkney – built by a Norse chieftain – many of these tiny fortresses occupy a unique place in history. In one case at least, the castle is the size of an average semi-detached house.Often the scene of unspeakable violence and treachery, these diminutive strongholds are now, for the most part, peaceful and serene places to explore.

Divided into three sections covering England, Scotland and Wales, Dixe Wills takes us on a tour of 60 of the countries loveliest and quirkiest strongholds. The writing is amusing and accessible, no long drawn-out text to bore the reader, just small and perfectly proportioned descriptions.

And these Tiny Castles are not crumbling ruins, but relatively complete castles with enough features intact to explore and enjoy, from Cromwell Castle (the smallest) to Castell Coch (a fairytale folly built on the remains of a much older castle) to Crichton Castle (fantastic for children).

You’ll find not only the location and grid reference but when to visit, what the admission fee is (if any), public transport and website details. Beautifully presented with lots of great photos … I feel a Tiny Adventure awaits.

Published by AA Media Limited    Hardback  £16.99

About the author

Dixe Wills is the author of numerous books about Britain’s lesser-known, quirkier side, including Tiny Islands, Tiny Stations, Tiny Churches and Tiny Campsites and the critically acclaimed but shamefully underbought The Z to Z of Great Britain, published in 2005 and still considered the go-to work on places in Britain that start with the final letter of the alphabet.

Dixe lives in Sussex and is a former member of Hartfield FC, where he played a largely anonymous midfield role alongside his more talented older brother.