National Home Guard Memorial

Standing quietly on the Devon coast, this memorial honours the 1.2 million volunteers who served in Britain's Home Guard during World War Two. The bronze figures capture ordinary folk - shopkeepers, farmers, clerks - who stood ready to defend their homeland against invasion.

History enthusiasts will find genuine poignancy here. The sculpture shows Dad's Army wasn't just comedy - these were real people facing real danger with whatever weapons they could muster. Families might appreciate the human story, though younger children could lose interest quickly.

It's a brief stop rather than a destination in itself - twenty minutes covers it properly. The memorial sits in an exposed spot, so wrap up if the wind's blowing in off the sea. Free to visit any time, though the surrounding area can get busy during summer months.

Perfectly positioned for families staying at nearby Torquay Holiday Park or Hoburne Devon Bay, this makes an easy addition to coastal walks or trips into the area. Worth combining with other local attractions rather than making a special journey, but the craftsmanship of the figures and the sobering reminder of ordinary courage make it well worth the short detour if you're already exploring this stretch of the Devon coastline.