Chaine Memorial Tower

The tower stands on a hillside outside Larne, a rather austere Victorian structure that commands views over the town and the lough beyond. It's a memorial to Alexander Chaine, a local industrialist from the 19th century, and the kind of monument that tells you something about how this place saw itself at the time - proud, industrial, looking outward.

You don't need more than twenty minutes here, frankly. Walk up to it, read the plaque if you're interested in that sort of thing, take a photograph if the light's decent. The views are the real draw - on a clear day you can see across to the Scottish coast, and Larne spreads out below in that honest, unglamorous way seaside towns do. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's a decent excuse to stretch your legs if you're staying in the area.

Walkers will appreciate the approach, even if it's brief. History enthusiasts might find the Victorian industrial story worth a moment's thought. Kids will probably lose interest unless they're the type who enjoy climbing hills and looking at views - which, to be fair, plenty do.

If you're based at Down to Earth Wild Camping just down the road, this is the kind of spot you'd tick off on a morning walk before heading elsewhere. It's accessible and free, which counts for something. Not essential, but not a waste of time either if you're in Larne with an hour to kill.