Britannia Pillar

You'll find this Victorian stone pillar standing in the Buckinghamshire countryside near Marlow, a straightforward but rather curious monument that marks the former summit of Pampas Hill. It's genuinely modest - just a tall stone column with an inscription celebrating Britannia, erected sometime in the 19th century when landowners seemed keen on dotting the landscape with eccentric follies.

The walk to reach it is the main event here, rather than the pillar itself. It's a pleasant ramble through local paths, and if you're staying at one of the nearby camping spots - Bella Vista or Home Farm are closest at under three miles - it makes an easy afternoon outing. History enthusiasts might find the Victorian sentiment rather touching; kids will probably wonder what all the fuss is about after a few minutes.

There's no charge for visiting, and you won't need more than half an hour once you've located it, though the walk there and back could stretch to an hour depending on your pace and which route you take. The real charm is less about the monument itself and more about the gentle Chiltern scenery around Marlow - rolling fields, decent views if the weather plays along, and the sense of stumbling onto something locals know about rather than gawping at a major attraction.

If you're basing yourselves at one of the camping parks in the area, it's worth the detour on a fine day. Don't expect drama or crowds, though. Bring a map or your phone charged, because it's easy to lose the path if you're not paying attention.