English Heritage - St Leonard's Tower

You'll spot St Leonard's Tower from miles around - this 12th-century flint and stone keep rises abruptly from the Kent countryside near Meopham, looking rather like someone plonked a castle turret in the middle of nowhere and forgot about it. It's genuinely striking, this three-storey relic with its thick walls and narrow windows, a proper survivor from the Norman period when keeping watch over the landscape mattered rather more than comfort.

What you actually do here is walk around the outside, peer through the windows if you've got decent eyesight, and take photos. The tower's managed by English Heritage but access can be limited - worth checking before you trek out, as opening hours aren't always generous. Expect to spend 20 minutes maximum, unless you're deeply into medieval fortifications, in which case you'll probably want longer to sketch and contemplate.

It works best for walkers exploring the wider area or history buffs who enjoy bagging Norman remains. Families with restless younger kids might find it a bit of a damp squib after the drive. The setting is genuinely rural - you're really out there, which counts for something.

If you're camping nearby, Gatehouse Wood Country Park sits just 2.6 miles away and rates highly. River View Camping is another solid option at 4.3 miles. Use the tower as a morning walk break during a longer park-based holiday rather than a destination in itself. It's free to admire from outside, and that's honestly where the appeal lies.