The Light Infantry

The Light Infantry museum sits in Lichfield, just a short drive from Burton-on-Trent, and honestly it's one of those places that creeps up on you. You're wandering around what looks like a modest regimental building, then suddenly you're surrounded by three centuries of military history - uniforms, weapons, photographs, the lot. It's the real deal, not some over-produced visitor attraction.

The regiment itself has a proper story. We're talking about soldiers who fought from the Napoleonic Wars right through to modern operations, and the museum doesn't shy away from the harder bits of that history. The displays are thoughtfully done without being maudlin. You'll find yourself spending longer here than you'd expect, especially if military history grabs you at all.

It's free to visit, which is brilliant, though opening hours can be a bit variable - worth ringing ahead. Allow a couple of hours to do it properly. Families with teenagers interested in history will get something from it; younger kids might find it heavy going unless they're already keen on the subject.

If you're based at Kingfisher Holiday Park nearby, this makes a decent half-day trip when the weather turns, and Lichfield's cathedral is worth an hour of your time too. Not a showstopper on its own, but a solid stop if you're in the area and you've got an interest in military heritage.