Seeking an elevated location to fly our daughter’s kite brought us to Castle Hill in Huddersfield.

With the wind whipping around us, we attempted to launch it into the air, only for it to fall to the ground, not quite in tatters, but without the plastic rods holding it in shape. Determined to see it in flight we battled on – and on – before retreating back to the car.

Undeterred by the wind, we decided to make the most of our ride out and took a stroll along the nature trail around the periphery of Castle Hill’s landmark Victoria Tower.

There are benches to sit on and savour the stunning scenery, and boards informing you what to look out for. It really is a special place.

Our trail continued and our curiosity about the tower grew, so, despite the windy conditions, we decided to venture up the hill.

Following in the footsteps of the thousands of visitors who make their way here every year to explore the fascinating history of Huddersfield’s iconic landmark stretching into the sky, we made our way up the stone stairway.

We could hear the wind whipping around the building, but the substantial stone walls, measuring 4ft thick at the bottom and tapering to 2ft thick at the top, offered protection. In a relatively short time we reached the top and marvelled at the spectacular panoramic view. Everyone clicked their cameras to capture the view and the moment they climbed the landmark tower.

We had great fun trying to spot our house in the mix of industry and housing stretching beneath Castle Hill and into the distance.

We also discovered quite a bit about this scheduled ancient monument on information boards located at various levels of the climb.

The Victoria Tower was built on Castle Hill, a location regarded as one of Yorkshire’s most important early Iron Age hill forts, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Archaeological evidence suggests habitation here began 4,000 years ago. Hunters and gatherers from the Mesolithic age were believed to have been the first arrivals, possibly camping in the nearby forests.

In later years, after the Norman Conquest of 1066, the pretty village of Almondbury, where Victoria Tower now stands, became part of the territory known as the Honour of Pontefract held by the de Laci family. They built a small castle on the site which is mentioned in a charter of King Stephen to Henry de Laci of about 1142 to 1154.

Attempts to establish a town on the hill in the early 14th century were eventually abandoned and, after the Middle Ages, Castle Hill was uninhabited until the early 19th century when its location served as a warning beacon. In later years, it was the scene of large political, religious and other meetings.

In 1898, John Frechville Ramsden laid the cornerstone to the permanent memorial commemorating Queen Victoria’s jubilee. Victoria Tower was officially opened a year later by the Earl of Scarborough. It was built by Ben Graham and Sons of Folly Hall using stone from Crosland Hill. It cost £3,298 to build and originally stood at 106ft high, but was reduced by 7ft in 1960 for safety reasons.

Despite the threat to its future – it was suggested the tower be demolished during the Second World War to prevent it being used as a navigation aid by German bombers – it has stood the test of time. The range finder at the north side of the outer bailey is a lasting reminder of its previous purpose.

Today, Castle Hill and the Victoria Tower are a popular visitor attraction – and the site is perfect for flying kites, too!

It is well worth a visit, and you can make it a real day out by visiting the picture-postcard town of Holmfirth – home to BBC1’s sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine – which is just down the road.