P.C. Jon Odell

There's a small memorial in Birchington that marks where PC Jon Odell was killed in 1999. He was shot during a routine police stop - a terrible moment that shook Kent and changed his family's life forever. The memorial itself is understated, which somehow makes it more moving. You won't spend hours here, but it's worth a quiet visit if you're exploring the area, particularly if you want to pause and reflect on the reality behind the headlines.

It's the kind of place that matters more to some people than others. Police officers often visit. Families with older children interested in modern history or law enforcement will find it sobering and educational. You don't need to book or pay anything - it's there for whoever wants to remember him.

If you're staying at Birchington Vale Holiday Park just down the road, you could easily take a walk over and incorporate it into a quiet morning before heading to the beaches or exploring the wider Isle of Thanet. It's a respectful detour rather than a primary attraction, and that's exactly what it should be. Allow fifteen minutes, though you might linger longer. Go when it suits you - there are no opening hours to worry about.