Vickers Vanguard 'Merchantman' freighter

Standing in a field near Addlestone, this Vickers Vanguard freighter represents a proper slice of British aviation history that most people drive past without a second glance. The 'Merchantman' sits there rather forlornly, a reminder of when Britain led the world in civil aircraft design during the 1950s.

Aviation enthusiasts will find it fascinating - the Vanguard was meant to compete with American jets but arrived just as the market shifted towards pure jets rather than turboprops. Only 44 were ever built, making this survivor genuinely rare.

Families might struggle to keep younger children engaged for more than twenty minutes, as there's not much interactive about a static aircraft display. However, older kids with an interest in planes or engineering could spend a good hour examining the details and imagining what it was like to fly in this beast.

Getting access can be tricky - it's not clear if formal visiting arrangements exist, so you might need to enquire locally. The location puts you within easy reach of several camping sites around Chertsey and Walton-on-Thames, making it a decent detour if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks. Just don't expect crowds or facilities - this is very much an off-the-beaten-track find for those who appreciate industrial heritage.