Mantell Monument

A modest stone obelisk stands on the outskirts of Haywards Heath, commemorating Gideon Mantell, the pioneering geologist who first identified the iguanodon in Sussex back in the 1820s. It's not much to look at - grey stone, fairly austere - but if you're into natural history or local heritage, it marks the birthplace of dinosaur science in Britain. You'll spend maybe ten minutes here, tops, reading the inscriptions and getting your head round the fact that this unremarkable corner of Sussex literally changed how we understand the prehistoric world.

The monument sits within walking distance of Haywards Heath town centre, making it an easy detour if you're based at one of the nearby camping spots like Sunset Tree or Wild Boar Wood. It works best as part of a broader geological tour of the Weald rather than a standalone visit. Families with dinosaur-obsessed kids might find it underwhelming - there's no interactive element, no visitor centre - but teenagers studying GCSE geology or anyone serious about palaeontology will appreciate standing where it all began. The site appears to be freely accessible, though you'll want to check locally before making the trip.

If you're camping in the area, combine this with a walk through the surrounding countryside or a visit to the Wealden geology elsewhere in Sussex. It's a proper bit of British scientific heritage, even if the monument itself is understated.