Pepys House

Samuel Pepys lived here, and walking into his house in Huntingdon feels like stepping into the world of one of England's most famous diarists. The building itself is modest - nothing flashy - but that's rather the point. You get a genuine sense of how this man, whose private observations shaped our understanding of 17th-century London, actually lived when he wasn't making history.

The rooms are small and intimate. Period furnishings and displays tell the story of Pepys's life before he became the naval administrator and Member of Parliament we know from the history books. If you're into that era at all - and particularly if you've read his diary - it's genuinely affecting to stand where he stood. Casual tourists might find it a bit lean on spectacle, but history buffs will recognise this as the real deal.

You'll need maybe 45 minutes to an hour here, longer if you're the type to read every placard. It's a quiet, reflective sort of visit rather than a thrill-ride museum experience. Located right in Huntingdon town centre, it slots easily into a broader day exploring the town itself.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Huntingdon Boathaven is practically on the doorstep - this pairs well with a walk along the riverside or a visit to the town's other historical attractions. Don't expect crowds or glitz. Do expect authenticity.