A. V. Roe

Standing on what looks like any other Surrey field near Addlestone, you'd never guess this unassuming spot witnessed aviation history in the making. This is where Alliott Verdon-Roe made the first official powered flight by a British pilot in a British-built aircraft back in 1908, beating the Wright brothers' European demonstrations by months. A simple memorial stone marks the achievement, though frankly it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the significance - Roe went on to found the aircraft company that built the iconic Lancaster bomber. For everyone else, it's more of a quick stop than a destination. The site sits in open grassland with decent views across the Surrey countryside, making it a pleasant enough spot for a brief detour if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Walton on Thames. Kids might find the story interesting for about five minutes, but there's nothing interactive here. Best combined with a walk around the area rather than making a special trip. Free to visit, naturally, since it's basically a field with a stone in it. Worth a quick look if you're passing, but don't expect to linger long.