Fort Wallington

Fort Wallington sits on high ground overlooking Fareham, a proper Victorian defensive installation that most people drive past without noticing. It's one of those Palmerston Forts - those squat, angular brick structures built in the 1860s when Britain was paranoid about a French invasion that never came. The fort itself is relatively small and best explored on foot; you can walk the perimeter and poke around the grassed-over bastions, though there's not much interpretation on site so you'll want to do your homework beforehand. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour properly, less if you're just grabbing photos.

History buffs will find it genuinely interesting - the engineering is sound and you get decent views across the Solent landscape from up there. Families with older kids might enjoy it as a bit of a scramble and hide-and-seek spot, though younger ones will be bored stiff within twenty minutes. The real appeal is combining it with a walk - the surrounding area has footpaths that link nicely if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks like Rookesbury Park or Kingfisher, both within a few miles.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted, though facilities are non-existent so bring water. Go on a clear day when the views are worth having; grey Hampshire drizzle just makes it feel melancholy. It's a solid hour's entertainment if you're into Victorian military architecture, but honestly it's the kind of place worth a detour only if you're already exploring the Fareham area.