Smith's Lawn Airfield

You're standing on what was once a proper working airfield, though these days Smith's Lawn is quieter than it was during the war years. The site sits in Bracknell Forest, not far from Chertsey, and it's the sort of place that speaks to anyone interested in Britain's aviation past - particularly the Second World War period when things actually mattered here.

What you're looking at now are the remnants of that era: some original buildings still dot the landscape, and if you know what to look for, you can spot the telltale signs of the runway. It's not going to blow your mind with visitor facilities or interpretation boards - this is a walk-around-and-imagine kind of site. History buffs will get far more from it than families with young kids expecting a day's entertainment.

The real appeal is the peaceful walking and the chance to stand where pilots once prepared for missions. It's the sort of spot that rewards a bit of research beforehand - armed with a decent history of the airfield, you can actually picture what happened here. Allow a couple of hours if you're genuinely interested, less if you just fancy a wander.

If you're staying at Warfield Park nearby, it's worth a detour on a decent afternoon. Free to access, no faffing about with opening hours or admission fees. Just turn up, walk the perimeter, and let the place do the talking. Don't expect cafes or facilities - bring what you need.