Mark IV British tank

There's a proper working Mark IV tank sitting in Kent, and it's one of the few you'll see anywhere that actually runs. This isn't a static display behind velvet rope - it's a restored First World War beast that occasionally rumbles into life, which is something else entirely. You get to see the real thing up close, understand the cramped conditions the crew endured, and watch demonstrations that make you realise just how revolutionary tanks were in 1916.

It appeals most to history buffs and anyone with a soft spot for industrial engineering. Kids tend to go quiet when they realise people actually fought inside that metal box, though younger ones might find it a bit abstract if you're not into wartime history. The experience is hands-on rather than lecture-heavy, which helps.

Asford's the nearest town, and it's well-positioned if you're basing yourself at Broadhembury Caravan & Camping Park or Dunn Street Farm Campsite - both within a few miles. Longberry Farm Glamping and Wildside Camping are slightly further out but worth the drive if you want something with more atmosphere. Allow a couple of hours here, longer if there's a demonstration on. Opening hours and admission fees vary, so check ahead before you set off. It's not a massive day out on its own, but paired with other Kent attractions or as part of a wider countryside trip, it's absolutely worth the detour.