Fort Purbrook

One of the Palmerston Forts that dot the Hampshire coast, Fort Purbrook sits on high ground overlooking Hayling Island - a squat, brick Victorian stronghold that's equal parts impressive and slightly eerie. Built in the 1860s as part of a defensive line against a feared French invasion that never came, it's the kind of place where you can wander the ramparts, peer into the gun emplacements, and actually feel the weight of 150-odd years of military history. The views across the Solent are genuinely good, particularly if you catch it on a clear day.

You'll get the most out of this if you're into military heritage or Victorian engineering - it's not a theme park, so don't expect interpretation panels at every turn. Families with older kids who can manage the uneven ground will do fine; younger ones might find it a bit static after twenty minutes. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're thorough. It's free to visit, though access can be restricted during certain seasons or for maintenance, so check ahead.

Located just a short drive from Hayling Island itself, it works well as part of a broader coastal exploration rather than a destination on its own. If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby touring parks - The Old Dairy Farm Glamping or Fishery Creek - it's a worthwhile afternoon diversion. Pair it with a walk along the seafront or a proper pub lunch back in town, and you've got a solid half-day sorted.