Benjamin Disraeli's grave

The graveyard at St Michael's Church in Hughenden, just outside Marlow, is where one of Victorian Britain's most unlikely politicians ended up. Benjamin Disraeli - twice Prime Minister, novelist, dandy, and the man who made the Conservative Party actually electable - lies buried here with his wife Mary Anne in a modest family vault. It's hardly the sort of grand monument you'd expect for someone who basically invented modern Toryism.

Walking through the churchyard is peaceful rather than dramatic. The grave itself is understated, which somehow feels right for a man who spent his career being anything but. You'll find it tucked away among the other Victorian burials, and the whole thing takes perhaps twenty minutes to find and pay your respects - not a major undertaking, but a proper pilgrimage if you're interested in 19th-century political history.

This works best if you're already in the Marlow area rather than making a special trip. The church is accessible year-round and won't cost you anything to visit. Combine it with a walk through the Thames-side town or a stay at one of the nearby camping spots like Penn Meadow Farm or Bella Vista - both are within comfortable driving distance. History enthusiasts will get the most out of it; younger visitors might find it a bit dry unless they're already hooked on the era. Late spring is nicest, when the churchyard isn't soggy underfoot.