Changi Prison

The Victorian prison that once held some of Britain's most notorious inmates now stands as a sobering reminder of 19th-century justice. Changi, just outside Burton-on-Trent, is less tourist attraction and more authentic historical site - the kind of place where you'll actually learn something rather than tick a box.

What strikes you immediately is the scale of the place. Those austere brick walls and narrow windows weren't designed for comfort, and they still feel oppressive today. The cells are cramped, the corridors echo in a way that gets under your skin, and the gallows area (yes, it's still there) doesn't pull punches about what happened within these walls. Some sections retain original features - the punishment blocks, the exercise yards, the Victorian ironwork - which makes the whole experience feel properly grounded in reality rather than theatrical.

This appeals most to history buffs and anyone interested in the darker chapters of British social history. If your kids are under twelve, they'll likely find it tedious. Teenagers with an interest in criminology or social history, though, will engage properly. Allow two to three hours minimum, longer if you want to read the interpretive panels properly.

Admission details aren't always straightforward - phone ahead or check online before visiting, as opening hours vary seasonally. It's within easy reach of Kingfisher Holiday Park just a couple of miles away, so slots in well if you're basing yourself in Burton for a longer break. Worth the detour if you've got the historical curiosity, but not a casual browse attraction.