Hampden's Monument

You'll find this obelisk standing alone in the Oxfordshire countryside just outside Wallingford, marking the spot where John Hampden, the 17th-century politician, was fatally wounded during the English Civil War. It's a modest monument - a tall stone pillar in a field - but the weight of its history makes it worth seeking out if you're interested in that turbulent period.

The monument itself isn't elaborate, and there's no visitor centre or facilities, so manage your expectations. This is the sort of place you visit as part of a wider walk rather than a destination in itself. Allow twenty minutes to half an hour, park up in Wallingford and stretch your legs heading out to find it. The surrounding countryside is pleasant enough for a ramble, and Wallingford itself has proper riverside walks along the Thames if you want to combine visits.

History enthusiasts will get more from it than casual visitors. Families with young children might find it underwhelming unless they're already keen on the Civil War period. The real appeal is for those doing a circuit of Oxfordshire's heritage sites or taking advantage of the nearby caravan parks - White Mark Glamping, Benson Waterfront and The Chilterns View are all within a few miles - and wanting something different from the usual stately homes.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted, though exact opening hours aren't published. Go in daylight, wear proper walking boots if it's been wet, and don't expect crowds or crowds-related problems.