Shepherd's Monument

Cryptic inscriptions and mysterious symbols carved into 18th-century stonework make this one of Britain's most puzzling monuments. The Shepherd's Monument sits in the grounds of Shugborough Estate, just outside Stafford, bearing eight letters that have baffled codebreakers for centuries: O.U.O.S.V.A.V.V - and below them, the letters D and M.

History enthusiasts and puzzle lovers will find themselves utterly absorbed by this enigma. The monument features a mirror image of Nicolas Poussin's painting 'The Shepherds of Arcadia', but it's those cryptic letters that really get people talking. Theories range from religious references to Masonic codes, with everyone from Charles Dickens to modern cryptographers taking a crack at solving it.

Families might find it a bit of a one-trick pony - you'll see what there is to see in about twenty minutes. But for anyone with a taste for historical mysteries, it's absolutely worth the detour. The monument sits in lovely parkland, so you can easily combine it with a proper walk around the estate.

Staying at nearby parks like The White Lodge or Canalside Camping puts you right on the doorstep. Silver Trees Holiday Park is only a short drive away too, making this an easy day trip addition to your Staffordshire break. Just don't expect to solve the code - far cleverer people than us have tried and failed.