Lest We Forget 1918-2018

A century on from the armistice, David Ogilvie's memorial installation near Colchester stands as a sobering reminder of what was lost in the First World War. This isn't a museum or a visitor centre - it's a site of quiet reflection, created to mark the centenary in 2018. The work itself is sculptural and thought-provoking, designed to make you stop and really consider the scale of the carnage from 1914-1918.

You'll want to allow at least thirty minutes here, longer if you're the type to sit with things for a bit. It's powerful stuff, especially if you have family connections to the war or just feel the weight of history properly. History enthusiasts will find it rewarding, and it's the sort of place that prompts real conversation rather than the sort of hollow heritage experience you get elsewhere.

The site works well as a contemplative break if you're based at one of the nearby parks - Colchester Country Park is just over two miles away, and Ardleigh Caravan & Camping Park not much further. You could easily work it into a walk around the Colchester area without faffing about. Admission details aren't widely publicised online, so ring ahead or check the website before you go. Best visited on a quiet weekday morning when you can actually think.