Butter Cross

There's a medieval stone cross standing in Minehead town centre that most visitors walk straight past without noticing. The Butter Cross is proper old - we're talking 15th century - and it marks the spot where dairy traders once gathered to sell their wares. It's a modest structure by today's standards, but that's rather the point. It tells you something genuine about how this seaside town actually worked centuries before the amusement arcades arrived.

You'll find it's a five-minute wander from the seafront, tucked into the heart of town among the shops and cafes. There's no entry fee, no opening hours to worry about - it's just there, a piece of local history you can examine whenever you fancy. Spend ten minutes here, tops. Read the plaque if there is one, take a photo, move on.

Historically minded types will appreciate the glimpse into medieval market life, but I'll be honest - it won't hold children's attention for long. It works best as a quick stop between other activities rather than a destination in itself. If you're based at Butlins Minehead or the Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the road, pop in on your way to grab an ice cream or explore the town proper. It anchors Minehead to something older than donkey rides and slot machines, which counts for something. Worth knowing it's there, certainly. Worth planning an afternoon around it? Probably not.