Vickers VC10 'Sultan of Oman'

Standing proud in Surrey countryside, this decommissioned Royal Air Force VC10 tanker tells quite a story. The aircraft, which once served the Sultan of Oman's air force, now sits as a static display - a proper piece of Cold War aviation history just outside Addlestone. Getting close to something this massive gives you real perspective on the engineering prowess of the 1960s.

Aviation enthusiasts will love poking around the exterior and learning about the VC10's role as both passenger airliner and military refuelling aircraft. Kids fascinated by planes will be wide-eyed at the sheer size of the thing. The four-engine jet's distinctive rear-mounted configuration makes it quite different from modern aircraft they might know.

Practical details are sketchy - opening times and access arrangements aren't widely advertised, so it's worth checking locally before making the trip. This isn't a polished museum experience but rather an outdoor monument that appeals to those with a genuine interest in aviation history.

For families staying at nearby Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site, it makes a decent short excursion if you're passing through the area. Don't expect to spend more than thirty minutes here unless you're a serious plane spotter.