Tree of Hope

The Tree of Hope stands near Bexhill-on-Sea as a curious relic of the First World War. It's a veteran oak that became something of a pilgrimage point during the conflict, when locals and passing soldiers would visit to seek reassurance or leave notes and tokens. Walking up to it now, you're confronted with the reality of how people processed anxiety and loss a century ago - the tree absorbed their hopes literally carved into its bark.

What makes it worth seeking out isn't a grand spectacle but rather the stillness of the moment. It's a modest site, best suited to history enthusiasts or anyone interested in how ordinary folk coped during wartime. You won't find crowds or formal facilities; this is archaeology of the emotional sort. Twenty minutes is enough, unless you're the contemplative type who lingers.

If you're staying at Park Holidays UK or Combe Haven just down the road - both within spitting distance - the Tree fits neatly into a wider walk around the area. It's not far from Bexhill's seafront either, so you could couple it with a proper afternoon out. The catch: opening hours and admission details aren't published, so check locally before making the trip. It's also not the sort of place that'll captivate young children for long, though older kids with an interest in war history might find it genuinely moving.