Desert Rats Memorial

The Desert Rats Memorial sits quietly on the outskirts of Swaffham, a modest tribute to the 7th Armoured Division who fought across North Africa during the Second World War. It's not flashy - just a stone monument and some interpretive panels - but that's rather the point. The 7th earned their nickname during the gruelling campaigns against Rommel, and this spot marks where many of them trained before shipping out.

You'll spend twenty minutes here, maybe half an hour if you read everything properly. History buffs will find it worth the detour; it's the kind of place that reminds you Norfolk had a proper role in the war effort. Kids might find it a bit static unless they're already interested in military history - there's no interactive element, just reflection and reading.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though there's something about the bleakness of a Norfolk winter that suits a war memorial. The nearest facilities are back in Swaffham itself, so don't expect a cafe or visitor centre.

If you're staying at Oak Lodge Glamping nearby, it's worth factoring in as part of a broader Norfolk history loop - combine it with a wander around Swaffham's market square and you've got a decent morning. Not a destination in itself, but a proper addition to a park-based holiday where you've got time to explore what's around you.