William III Statue

Standing on the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent, the William III Statue catches you by surprise. It's a commanding bronze figure facing the Solent - a king on horseback, frozen mid-stride, looking out toward the water where his fleet once anchored. William landed here in 1688 during the Glorious Revolution, and locals have honoured that moment with this rather grand memorial.

It's the kind of stop that appeals to history buffs more than anyone else. You won't spend long here - five minutes, maybe ten if you read the plaque and take a few photos - but it's worth knowing about if you're already walking the seafront. The statue itself is well-maintained and the location is pleasant enough, though the statue doesn't dominate the landscape or demand your attention the way some monuments do.

The real draw is that it sits at the heart of Lee-on-the-Solent's waterfront, which means you can pair a quick visit with a proper walk along the prom. The beach itself is shingle rather than sand, but on a clear day the views across the water are genuinely good. Admission is free, naturally - it's a public monument.

If you're basing yourself at Kingfisher Caravan Park just down the coast, this is an easy detour on a morning stroll. The nearby Hayling Island and Mill Rythe parks put you within twenty minutes' drive, so it slots in neatly with a broader coastal exploration. Worth fifteen minutes of your time, but don't make a special trip.