British National Fencing Museum

The British National Fencing Museum sits in Worcester, and if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Oakmere Parks or Malvern Hills are just under a mile away - it's a surprisingly worthwhile detour. The museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of fencing equipment, from Victorian épées to modern competition gear, spread across what feels like a proper rabbit hole of a building.

You'll see everything: masks that belonged to Olympic champions, handmade blades from the 1800s, and the kind of technical kit that makes you realise fencing is far more intricate than the theatrical back-and-forth it looks like on TV. There's genuine craftsmanship on display here. The archive alone - swords, protective wear, training manuals - tells the story of how the sport evolved from aristocratic duelling into a disciplined Olympic pursuit.

Who gets the most from it? History enthusiasts and anyone with even a passing interest in sport will find it absorbing. Kids aged ten and up tend to engage well, especially if they've tried any sword-based activities. Younger children might lose interest after thirty minutes, though the interactive elements help.

Allow ninety minutes to two hours. The museum doesn't overwhelm you with size, which is actually refreshing. Admission details aren't widely published online, so ring ahead before you visit. It pairs well with a walk around Worcester itself - the cathedral and riverside are decent - and if you're based at Riverside Caravan Park just up the road, you've got a proper layover sorted.