The Gurkha Memorial

A stone's throw from Folkestone sits a memorial that deserves far more footfall than it gets. The Gurkha Memorial stands as a proper tribute to the Nepalese soldiers who served with the British Army, their sacrifice documented in granite and bronze on what is essentially open ground. Walking round it, you get a real sense of the effort gone into honouring these men - the inscriptions are thoughtful, the setting quiet enough that you can actually read them without a crowd pressing in.

It's not a day-long attraction. You're looking at twenty minutes to half an hour if you read the plaques properly, maybe a bit longer if you want to sit and take it in. Families with older kids will find it educational without being preachy; younger ones might lose interest quickly unless you can tie it to something they care about. History buffs and military enthusiasts will appreciate the details.

The real draw for holiday park visitors is the location. If you're staying at Varne Ridge or Black Horse Farm - both within three miles - this makes for a sensible detour on a walk into Folkestone proper. It's the kind of stop that slots neatly between a seaside morning and a pub lunch. There's no charge that I'm aware of, and it's accessible year-round, though frankly spring and autumn feel less windswept than winter. Bring a camera if you're interested in military history; bring respect if you're there for any other reason.