Gurkha Museum

The curved kukri knife on the wall stops you dead. That's the Gurkha Museum in Winchester, and it's a proper education in the soldiers who've served the British Army for two centuries. You're looking at uniforms, weapons, photographs and personal kit belonging to men from Nepal who fought everywhere from the Falklands to Afghanistan. It's intimate rather than grand - the sort of place where you spend two hours minimum reading every caption, not rushing through.

The exhibits tell stories that British museums often skip over. There are accounts of individual bravery, details of recruitment, the culture these soldiers brought with them. Kids who've studied the World Wars or modern conflict will find it engaging, though it's not a dazzling interactive experience - this is thoughtful, archive-driven stuff. Teenagers interested in military history or geography will get more from it than younger children.

Admission details weren't available when checked, so ring ahead before you go. You're roughly 2.7 miles from Winchester Morn Hill Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite and 3.5 miles from Hookpit Farm, which rates highly. Holden Farm Camping is a bit further out at 5.4 miles but worth the drive if you want somewhere calmer.

It fits well with a Winchester break - the cathedral and high street are there, plus decent walks. But honestly, the museum works best if you have genuine interest in the subject. Don't visit just to tick a box.