Anchor War Memorial

Two enormous concrete anchors mark this simple memorial on the Hampshire coast, standing silent witness to those lost at sea during both world wars. The memorial sits right at the water's edge near Lepe Beach, where the Solent stretches out towards the Isle of Wight - you can see the ferries crossing in the distance while you pause here.

History buffs will appreciate the setting more than families with young children, though it's worth a quick stop if you're already exploring this stretch of coastline near Southampton. The memorial itself takes just five minutes to see properly, but the location rewards a longer visit. Walk along the beach afterwards or simply sit and watch the maritime traffic - it's surprisingly peaceful despite being so close to one of Britain's busiest shipping lanes.

Lepe Beach Campsite is literally a stone's throw away, making this an easy addition to any camping holiday in the area. Several other parks like Waverley Park Holiday Centre and Solent Breezes are within easy driving distance too. The memorial works well as part of a coastal walk rather than a destination in itself - combine it with the country park facilities at Lepe for a proper day out.