Pinewood

Pinewood sits just outside Hythe on the Kent coast, a sprawling film studio that's been turning out British cinema since the 1930s. It's the real deal - not a theme park or tourist attraction, but an actual working production facility where countless films and TV shows have been made. The studio itself isn't open for casual wandering, which catches some visitors off guard.

If you're genuinely interested in British film history, it's worth driving past to see the entrance and get a sense of the place. Die-hard cinephiles might want to ring ahead and ask about any behind-the-scenes tours they occasionally offer - these do happen, though they're not regularly scheduled. For families on holiday at Port Lympne Safari Park just down the road, or any of the caravan sites scattered around the Romney Marsh area, Pinewood makes a reasonable pilgrimage if you've got film buffs in the group.

Truth is, you won't get much out of a quick stop. It's more about standing at the gates knowing what's happened inside rather than actually exploring. Allow 20 minutes if you're passing through Hythe anyway, longer if you've managed to book a tour. Summer's the best bet for tour availability, though don't expect anything guaranteed. The location itself is fairly unremarkable from the road - it's the history that draws people, not the view.