F35 Lightning II (replica)

There's a full-size replica of an F35 Lightning II fighter jet sitting near Preston, and it's exactly the sort of thing that stops you dead on a drive through Lancashire. The aircraft stands as a memorial - a proper tribute to aviation history and the people who've flown these machines. It's not a working aircraft, obviously, but seeing one of these jets up close, even a replica, gives you a real sense of scale. The thing is enormous.

This works best if you've got an interest in military history or aviation - it won't hold your attention for hours, but it's a solid 20-minute stop if you're passing through the area. Kids who are plane-mad will find it brilliant; everyone else might give it five minutes and move on. The fact that it's free and accessible makes it a no-brainer addition to a caravan trip from Northwood or Dale Hey Farm - both within a few miles.

The catch is the unknowns. Opening hours aren't clearly posted anywhere, and access details are vague, so ring ahead before you make a special journey. If you're already based at one of the nearby parks and exploring Preston's outskirts, absolutely worth the detour. It's the kind of quirky roadside attraction that makes a caravan holiday interesting - nothing grand, but memorable for the right reasons. Bring a camera; it photographs well against Lancashire's grey skies.