Captain Grenville's Column

You'll find this Georgian monument standing rather prominently on the outskirts of Buckingham, hard to miss if you're driving through the market town. Captain Grenville's Column marks the spot where a local landowner made his mark on the landscape - the sort of thing the 18th century gentry did when they had money and wanted people to remember them.

It's a straightforward visit. You rock up, have a look at the column, read the inscription if you're bothered, take a photo, and move on. The real appeal is architectural - there's something quite satisfying about these standalone monuments if you're into that period of English history. But let's be honest: you're not going to spend hours here. Twenty minutes, maybe thirty if you're the type to sit on a nearby bench with a notebook.

Historically minded visitors will get more out of it than families with young kids, who'll likely find it a bit dull. It's free to access, which is a bonus, and works well as a quick stop if you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Hedgehog Retreat is just 1.5 miles away, making it an easy detour on a walk into Buckingham proper.

Best visited on a clear day when the light's decent. Grey drizzle does nothing for these old stones. If you're staying in the area and fancying a proper wander, combine it with a ramble around Buckingham's town centre rather than making it a destination in itself.