Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3

The Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3 sits in Staffordshire as a proper bit of British engineering history. This is a vertical take-off fighter jet - the same aircraft that saw action in the Falkland Islands and Northern Ireland. Seeing one up close, you realise just how compact it is. The cockpit's cramped, the fuselage narrower than you'd expect from something that could do 730 mph.

You're looking at a machine that changed aviation. The jump jet could land on rough ground, roads, even ship decks. No long runway needed. That was revolutionary in the 1960s and 1970s. If you've got any interest in military history or Cold War technology, it's worth an afternoon.

Military enthusiasts will get the most from this - families with keen teenagers too. Younger kids might find it interesting for twenty minutes before wanting to move on. The aircraft is displayed outdoors, so weather matters. Go on a clear day if possible.

Stafford's your nearest town, a short drive away, and there are several caravan parks within five miles - Canalside Camping, Poppy Fields Glamping and The White Lodge all give you a base for exploring the area. Check ahead before visiting as opening hours and admission details aren't always posted online. It's the sort of attraction that rewards planning a trip round rather than dropping in on spec.