John Pounds Memorial Unitarian Church

A small Unitarian chapel dedicated to John Pounds, a 19th-century cobbler and philanthropist who spent his life helping the poor children of Portsmouth. The church sits in Lee-on-the-Solent, a quiet seaside town between Portsmouth and Gosport, and tells the story of a man who turned his workshop into a school before such things were fashionable.

It's not a grand building - honestly, you might walk past it without noticing - but that's rather the point. Pounds himself was never interested in pomp. He'd repair shoes for free and teach children their letters between jobs, believing education shouldn't be reserved for the wealthy. The memorial here is understated, which feels appropriate.

Visitors with an interest in social history will find it worthwhile, particularly if you're already exploring the Portsmouth area. It's the sort of place that takes twenty minutes to visit properly, though you'll want to check opening times before you go as access isn't always guaranteed. Most visitors combine it with a walk along Lee-on-the-Solent's seafront rather than making a dedicated trip.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Kingfisher or Mill Rythe are closest - it's a pleasant detour while you're in the area, especially on a day when the weather isn't quite bright enough for the beach. The town itself has decent chip shops and a proper pier walk, so you won't be disappointed.