Amersham Martyrs

In 1521, six people were burned at the stake in Amersham for their religious beliefs - a brutal fact that still haunts this otherwise pleasant market town. The Martyrs' Memorial sits quietly near the parish church, a sobering reminder of the Tudor persecution of Lollards, the proto-Protestant reformers who dared question Catholic doctrine. It's not a grand monument, which somehow makes it more affecting.

You won't need long here - twenty minutes tops - but if you're interested in English religious history or the human cost of faith, it's worth the detour while you're exploring Amersham proper. The memorial itself is straightforward, but standing there and reading the names creates a genuine moment of reflection. History buffs will appreciate the context; families with older children might find it thought-provoking rather than dry.

Amersham itself is a cracking little town with timber-framed buildings and a proper high street, so you can easily combine this with a wander and a cup of tea. Several camping spots lie within a few miles - Lights Camera Glamping is barely a mile away, and Penn Meadow Farm Camping sits just four miles north if you're based in the area. Spring and summer are best; the churchyard is pleasant then, and you won't feel rushed.

Truthfully, this isn't a destination unto itself. But if you're spending a few days camping in Buckinghamshire and care about medieval history, you'd be remiss to skip it.