Split Rock Battery

Concrete gun emplacements jut from the hillside like broken teeth, remnants of Britain's Second World War coastal defences overlooking the Bristol Channel. Split Rock Battery sits on high ground near Burnham-on-Sea, one of the better-preserved artillery positions from the war years when invasion seemed imminent.

The battery consists of several concrete structures scattered across rough grassland, including gun pits that once housed 6-inch naval guns trained on the shipping lanes. Walking between the positions, you can still make out observation posts and ammunition stores, though nature is slowly reclaiming the site. The views across the mudflats towards Wales are properly spectacular on a clear day.

History buffs will find plenty to explore here, and kids often enjoy clambering around the concrete structures (though keep an eye on them - some drops are steep). Allow an hour for a good look around. The site appears to be freely accessible, though there's no formal visitor centre or interpretation boards.

It's a worthwhile detour if you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Burnham-on-Sea like Warren Farm or Golden Sands. The battery makes a good leg-stretcher after a day at nearby Brean Theme Park, and you can combine it with a walk along the coast. Just don't expect manicured paths - this is proper rough ground that gets muddy in wet weather.