Ducking Stool

Standing on the banks of the River Stour in Christchurch, this medieval contraption tells a rather grim tale of local justice. The ducking stool - essentially a wooden chair on a long beam - was used to punish 'scolds' and suspected witches by dunking them repeatedly in the river. Lovely.

History buffs will find it fascinating, particularly as one of the few surviving examples in England. The mechanism still works, though thankfully it's now just for demonstration purposes. Kids might be intrigued by the macabre story, but don't expect them to linger long - there's really only so much you can say about a torture device.

It's free to view and takes all of ten minutes unless you're particularly keen on medieval punishment methods. The spot itself is pleasant enough, right by the river with decent views across to the Priory ruins.

For those staying at nearby holiday parks like Hoburne Naish or Sandhills, it makes a quick diversion when exploring Christchurch's historic centre. Combine it with the Priory and Red House Museum for a proper historical morning out. The New Forest is practically on your doorstep too, so you're well placed for mixing seaside breaks with woodland walks.