Wye Crown and Queen's Jubilee

The twin chalk figures carved into the hillside above Wye, near Faversham, date back to 1902 and sit rather boldly on the landscape - you can spot them from miles away. The Crown was cut first to mark Edward VII's coronation, then the Queen's Jubilee figure was added later, both rendered in that stark white chalk that makes them almost glow against the green slopes.

Walking up to them takes maybe twenty minutes from the village, depending on fitness and the muddy state of the path. It's a proper work-out in summer with the sun on you, but the views back across the Weald make it worthwhile. The figures themselves are best appreciated from distance rather than close-up - standing right on them rather flattens the perspective, which can be a bit of a letdown if you've trudged all the way up expecting drama.

Histor buffs and walkers get more from this than casual visitors. Kids will manage the climb, though they might find the actual figures underwhelming after the effort. There's no visitor facility or tearoom, so bring water.

Free to visit, and it fits neatly into a walking circuit around Wye if you're staying at Dunn Street Farm Campsite five miles away. The village itself has decent pubs for a post-walk pint. Go early or late to avoid the midday glare bouncing off the chalk - it's harsh on photos.