Coltman VC Memorial

You'll find this modest memorial tucked away in Leicestershire, honouring Alfred Codman VC, one of the county's Victoria Cross recipients. It's the sort of place that rewards the curious - a quiet spot to pause and reflect on local military history rather than a major tourist draw.

The memorial itself is straightforward: a stone marker commemorating Codman's extraordinary bravery during the First World War. It's not elaborate or showy, which somehow makes it more dignified. History buffs will appreciate the chance to pay respects to someone who showed genuine courage under fire, though you won't spend hours here. Most visits take twenty minutes or so, unless you're planning to research his story in advance and want time to sit with that.

It works well as part of a broader Leicestershire history circuit rather than a destination in itself. Derby is nearby, so you could easily combine this with other local interests. If you're staying at one of the area's excellent holiday parks - Peake's Retreats and Broadleaves Glamping are both highly rated - this makes for a thoughtful morning outing before heading elsewhere.

Really, this is for people who actually care about their local heritage and want to mark the memory of those who served. Children might find it a bit sparse unless they're already interested in WWI history. The lack of obvious amenities or interpretation means you'll need to know what you're looking for beforehand.