The Golden Kilometre Distance Markers

Along the roads near Elstree, you'll spot them if you know what you're looking for - a series of Victorian distance markers that once guided travellers across the kingdom with precise, golden-hued information. They're numbered stones, modest but functional, relics from an era when knowing exactly how far you had to go mattered rather more than satnav precision.

These Golden Kilometre markers are properly fascinating for history buffs and anyone who enjoys the granular details of how Britain organised itself in the 1800s. They sit at measured intervals - hence the name - and represent a moment when standardisation and infrastructure were real achievements worth commemorating. You're not going to spend hours here, mind. A proper exploration involves a walk along the relevant stretches of road, spotting them one by one, which gives the whole thing a sense of discovery that beats gawping at a single monument.

The nearest town, Elstree, makes a reasonable base if you're already in the area, though frankly you'll want these as part of a broader Hertfordshire itinerary rather than a standalone destination. Home Farm Glamping sits just 5.7 miles off and scores brilliantly with visitors - that's your comfort option if you want to make a weekend of exploring local curiosities. The Mimms Caravan Park is closer at 4.5 miles if you prefer traditional camping. Both give you the flexibility to investigate these markers on foot without rushing back to the car.

Free to visit, naturally. Allow an afternoon if you're thorough, less if you're just ticking it off.