Smithson Tennant

The Smithson Tennant memorial sits quietly in North Yorkshire, a tribute to a man most of us have never heard of but absolutely should have. Tennant was an 18th-century chemist who discovered palladium and rhodium - elements that genuinely changed the course of chemistry. Walk around Goole and you'll find locals who know the name, but the memorial itself is more understated than grandiose, which somehow feels right for a scientist rather than a general or a king.

It's the kind of stop that works brilliantly if you're already exploring this corner of Yorkshire, particularly if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks. York South Ltd is only 3.5 miles away, and both Cawood Park and Apple Blossom Caravan are within easy driving distance. History enthusiasts and anyone with a genuine interest in scientific heritage will get something from it, though this isn't a full day out - more like a 20-minute detour when you're passing through Goole itself.

The real appeal here is piecing together the story: what drove an 18th-century chemist to his discoveries, why palladium matters, why Yorkshire produced this particular genius. It's proper rewarding if you come with curiosity rather than expecting crowds or fancy interpretation boards. Admission details are thin on the ground, so ring ahead to check current access, but the journey from the holiday parks is straightforward enough.