Spitfire

The Spitfire gallery sits just outside Southampton, and it's one of those places that grabs you the moment you walk in. You're face-to-face with actual aircraft - the real deal, not replicas - and the engineering is staggering up close. The fuselage details, the cockpit, the sheer compactness of what kept pilots alive at 400 mph: it all hits differently when you're standing right next to it.

This is absolutely brilliant for aviation enthusiasts and anyone with a soft spot for WWII history. Kids who've seen the films tend to be mesmerised, though under-eights might find an hour is their limit before the novelty wears thin. If your parents are into that era, they'll spend a good two to three hours here easily, reading every placard and soaking up the stories. Adults without a particular interest will still get something from it - the craftsmanship alone is worth the trip.

If you're staying at Dibles Park Caravan Park or Solent Breezes Holiday Park nearby, this works well as a half-day outing when the weather's dodgy. It's the kind of place that pairs nicely with a walk around Southampton's waterfront afterwards, or a pub lunch in the town centre. You won't need to book ahead for most visits, though it's worth checking opening times before you go - they do vary seasonally. Admission is reasonable for what you get.