Reculver Civic War Memorial

The twin towers of Reculver's old church dominate the Kent coastline near Canterbury, and they've become the unlikely landmark for this Civil War memorial. Standing on the cliffs above the shingle beach, it's a sobering spot - the kind of place where you actually stop to think about what happened here rather than just snap a photo and move on.

During the English Civil War, Reculver saw proper fighting. The memorial marks where local soldiers fell, and the weathered stone tells the story better than any plaque could. The towers themselves are 12th-century ruins, so you're looking at centuries of history layered on top of each other. The whole thing feels less polished tourist attraction, more honest memorial - which is rather the point.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination you'd spend hours at, but the coastal path through here is lovely, and the memorial gives the walk meaning. Allow 30 minutes to properly take it in and read what's there. Free to visit, naturally - it's out on the cliffs. The nearest town is Canterbury, about 7 miles inland, though the immediate area is quiet and fairly rugged.

If you're staying at one of the local parks like Seaview Holiday Park or Dog & Duck Leisure Park, this makes a worthwhile morning walk. Come on a clear day though - the cliffs can feel bleak and windswept in rain, which does suit the mood, but you won't see much.