Cromwell's Cannon

A cast-iron cannon sits in Faringdon, a weighty reminder of the English Civil War. The story goes that Oliver Cromwell's forces left it behind during the 1645 siege of Faringdon House, and it's been on display ever since - a proper conversation piece if you're into 17th-century military history.

It's less a full gallery experience and more a standalone artefact in the town, but that's rather the point. You're looking at something that actually travelled with soldiers during one of England's most divisive conflicts. History types will find it worth the stop; anyone else might spend ten minutes maximum, snap a photo, and move on.

Faringdon itself is a tidy market town in the Oxfordshire countryside, useful as a base if you're exploring the wider area. The Real Campsite sits just 1.3 miles away and gets solid reviews, so you could easily combine a cannon visit with proper outdoor stays. Faringdon Grange is another option nearby if you prefer something more formal.

Visit on a quiet weekday morning if you want to avoid the town's busier periods. There's no charge to view it - it's simply there, in the open. Perfect if you're already passing through or if you're the sort who collects Civil War sites across England. Worth the detour if it fits your route, though don't expect to linger long. The cannon itself is genuine, and that counts for something.