H.M.S Warspite 1915-1945

The HMS Warspite sits in Crowlas as a stark reminder of Britain's naval might during two world wars. This battleship saw proper action - torpedo hits, air strikes, the lot - and somehow made it through to 1945 before being broken up. What remains now is the chance to walk around what's left of her, absorbing the sheer scale of early 20th-century warship engineering.

You're looking at a vessel that fought at Jutland and survived to tell about it. The hull speaks volumes if you know what to look for - battle scars, modifications made mid-war, the peculiar logic of how they packed weaponry and armour into these iron behemoths. History buffs will spend a good hour here, photographing details and reading the plaques. Families with young children might manage 30-45 minutes before the novelty wears thin, though teenagers with any interest in military history will find it absorbing.

The nearest town is Crowlas itself, a modest spot that won't slow you down. If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - St. Ives Holiday Village is just 3.5 miles away, or Haven Riviere Sands a bit further - the Warspite makes an easy morning sortie. It's free to visit and accessible most days, though I'd check ahead as opening times can be patchy for smaller attractions like this. Allow a couple of hours if you're thorough, less if you just want the photos.