The Obelisk

You'll find this solitary stone monument standing in open countryside just outside Berkhamsted, a stark vertical line against the Buckinghamshire landscape. It's one of those sites that catches you off guard - you're not expecting much, then suddenly there it is, and you realise why someone bothered to erect it here centuries ago.

The Obelisk itself is a proper piece of local history, though the exact details of its origins and original purpose aren't entirely straightforward (records are patchy, as with many things this old). What matters is that it's been a landmark for generations, the sort of thing walkers use to orient themselves across the Chilterns. The surrounding area is open ground, which means you get good sightlines and it's worth the trip if you're already in the region exploring.

Historians and serious walkers will get the most from this. Families with young kids might find it a bit of an anticlimax after the journey - it's not interactive or flashy, just an old stone monument. But if you're doing a longer walk through the Chilterns anyway, it makes a logical stopping point.

It's free to access, naturally, and there's no formal visiting hours - you can reach it on foot any time. Allow twenty minutes to see it properly and take in the views. Several campsites sit within easy reach - Norcott Campsite and Hill Farm Camping are both under three miles away, making this a decent half-day expedition for park-based visitors exploring the wider area.