Toft Millennium beacon

The Toft Millennium beacon sits on high ground east of Cambridge, a modest stone structure that's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Built to mark the year 2000, it's not the sort of thing that'll keep you occupied for hours, but it's worth a detour if you're walking in the area or cycling the Cambridgeshire fens.

The real draw is the view from up there. On a clear day you can see across the flat fenland that makes this part of England so distinctive. It's proper Open Country - no crowds, no gift shop, just you and the skyline. The beacon itself is functional rather than fancy, which somehow suits the landscape better than something more elaborate would.

Walkers and cycling enthusiasts will get the most from this. It breaks up a longer route nicely, especially if you're exploring the country roads and bridleways that crisscross the region. Families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming on its own - there's nowhere to sit down and it's over very quickly. History types interested in millennium markers and turn-of-the-century monuments will appreciate it more.

If you're staying at Shepreth Mill Caravan & Camping Holiday Park five miles away, this makes a decent half-day cycling excursion. Access appears to be free, and there's no real restriction on when you can visit. Just head out early if the weather looks dodgy - there's no shelter at all up there. It's the sort of place that rewards a bit of local knowledge rather than being a planned destination in itself.