Joan Hickson O.B.E.

Looking for the Joan Hickson memorial in the Essex countryside near Colchester might seem an odd pursuit, but devoted fans of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple will understand the pilgrimage. This modest tribute honours the actress who defined the role of the amateur sleuth for an entire generation, bringing Christie's spinster detective to life with unmatched authenticity in the 1980s and early 90s.

The site itself is fairly understated - don't expect grand monuments or visitor centres. What you'll find is a simple but touching memorial to an actress who lived locally and became synonymous with one of crime fiction's most beloved characters. Hickson's portrayal remains many people's definitive Marple, gentle yet shrewd, with that particular blend of English reserve and sharp observation.

Christie enthusiasts and lovers of classic British television will get the most from a visit, though it's worth managing expectations about what's actually there. The appeal lies more in paying respects to a performer who brought such joy to Sunday evening viewing than in any elaborate attraction.

Given its proximity to several holiday parks around Colchester - from Mersea Island Holiday Park to Haven Orchards Holiday Village - it makes for a brief but meaningful stop during a longer Essex break. Allow twenty minutes at most, and perhaps combine it with exploring Colchester's Roman heritage for a proper day out.