Canadian Memorial

You'll find this modest memorial tucked into the Wiltshire countryside near Lyndhurst, a quiet tribute to Canadian forces who trained and died in southern England during World War Two. The stone itself is fairly understated - no grand monument or visitor centre, just a straightforward reminder of what happened here decades ago. It's the sort of place that rewards a deliberate visit rather than a casual drive-by.

Walkers and history buffs will get the most from it. There's something quite moving about standing in the New Forest landscape and thinking about young men from thousands of miles away who never made it home. The memorial works best as part of a broader exploration of the area's wartime heritage rather than a destination in itself.

The visit takes minutes rather than hours. Admission appears to be free, though opening hours aren't well publicised - it's one of those places you can usually access whenever you fancy. You'll want to bring a camera and perhaps a notebook if you're into military history.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Ocknell or Longbeech are closest at under two miles away - it makes sense to combine this with a proper walk through the New Forest National Park, which sits just 3.4 miles beyond. The park has endless tracks and trails that'll take up a full day. The memorial itself is a 15-minute stop, thoughtful and worth the detour if you're already in the area.