Battle of Trafalgar

The waters off Lee-on-the-Solent hold one of Britain's most significant naval moments, though there's nothing dramatic to see on the shore itself. The Battle of Trafalgar was fought here in 1805, where Nelson's fleet decisively defeated the French and Spanish navies - a victory that secured British naval supremacy for over a century. If you're expecting a visitor centre or museum, you'll be disappointed. What you get instead is the actual seascape where it all happened, best appreciated from the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent itself.

History enthusiasts will find the location itself moving, particularly if they've read up beforehand. Standing on the shingle and looking out towards the Isle of Wight, you can picture the chaos of October 1805 - the smoke, the cannon fire, the ships in chaos. It's the sort of thing that appeals to those who enjoy connecting landscape with history rather than reading plaques.

It's completely free and takes as long as you want - anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour depending on how contemplative you're feeling. Go on a clear day; misty weather rather defeats the purpose. The seafront has the usual facilities, and you're close enough to the holiday parks around Hayling Island and the Solent area to make it a quick detour.

Truth is, this works best as part of a broader coastal exploration rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with a walk along the Solent coast or a visit to nearby maritime attractions, and you've got something worthwhile.