Julius Caesar Landing plaque

A bronze plaque on the shingle beach near Deal marks where Julius Caesar supposedly landed in 55 BC - one of history's most consequential moments, commemorated with what amounts to a modest bit of metalwork. It's genuinely easy to miss, which is rather fitting for an invasion that turned out not to stick first time round.

You're standing on the actual Kent coastline where the Roman general hauled his ships ashore, which does give you a frisson of connection to the ancient world. The plaque itself won't take more than five minutes to find and photograph, so don't plan your entire day around it. What makes it worthwhile is the walk - Deal's seafront is proper pleasant, and the shale beach has character even when the weather's turning.

History buffs will get the most out of this spot, particularly those reading up on Caesar's Gallic Wars beforehand. Kids under twelve might find it a bit abstract - it's a plaque, not a fort or amphitheatre. But if you're already camped at Kingsdown, just two miles away, or staying further afield at Hawthorn Farm or Ham Hideaway, it's an easy afternoon stroll that costs nothing and reads well in the memory.

The beach at Deal itself rewards lingering longer than the plaque demands. Hunt for fossils, grab fish and chips from one of the shops backing onto the seafront, or simply watch the Channel shipping lanes. Access is free and open year-round - just time it with decent light and not a howling gale, which this exposed bit of coast gets rather regularly.