The Whetstone

The Whetstone sits just east of Elstree, a proper historical marker that most people drive past without noticing. It's essentially a carved stone slab that marks an old boundary or meeting point - the sort of thing that tells you more about medieval England than any museum display ever could.

You won't spend hours here. Twenty minutes tops, unless you're really into local history. What you get is a tangible link to centuries-old land divisions and trade routes. If you're walking the footpaths around Hertfordshire - and there are plenty - it's worth the small detour to actually see it rather than just read about it.

The real value comes if you're staying at The Mimms Caravan Park, only 4.4 miles away. It gives you a reason to explore on foot beyond the caravan site, and it fits nicely into a morning or afternoon ramble through the lanes. Families won't find it thrilling unless the kids are genuinely interested in history. Solo walkers and local historians will appreciate the authenticity of it - no interpretation boards, no fussing about, just a stone that's been there for longer than most buildings in England have stood.

No admission charge, obviously - it's just sitting there. Best visited on a clear day when you can actually read what's carved into it. The Elstree area itself has enough pubs and shops to make a half-day worthwhile.