E J Smith - Captain of RMS Titanic

The captain who went down with the Titanic was a Staffordshire lad, and Burton-on-Trent marks his story with a modest memorial to E J Smith. It's not a sprawling museum or visitor centre - more a quiet nod to one of history's most storied maritime figures. You'll find yourself standing at a place that connects this ordinary market town to one of the world's most extraordinary disasters.

Smith was born here in 1850 and became the White Star Line's most trusted captain before that fateful April night in 1912. The memorial itself is straightforward, which somehow makes it more affecting than a glitzed-up attraction would be. History enthusiasts will appreciate the direct connection to someone who shaped maritime legend, and it works well as a gentle detour if you're exploring Burton itself - not something that demands a special journey on its own.

The real value lies in what it adds to a Staffordshire break. Pair this with a stay at Kingfisher Holiday Park, just a few miles away, and you've got a proper local angle on a global story. Cannock Chase Camping & Caravanning Club Site is equally close and offers good access to wider attractions in the region. Allow an hour in Burton if you're combining this with a town wander - the memorial itself takes ten minutes, but the story deserves a bit more contemplation than that.