Rufus Stone

A weathered stone marker in the middle of the New Forest marks where King William II - William Rufus - fell to an arrow in 1100, though whether it was accident or murder remains hotly debated. You'll find it a short walk from Fritham, standing alone in the forest with little fanfare, which somehow makes it more compelling than a big visitor centre ever could.

The stone itself is modest - not particularly impressive to look at, if I'm honest - but the weight of what happened there eight centuries ago does grab you once you read the inscription. History types and anyone interested in medieval England will get something out of it; for others, it's more of a "while we're passing through" sort of stop. Kids under ten will probably find it a bit dull unless they're genuinely engaged by the story.

It's completely free, accessible any time, and takes about fifteen minutes to visit if you're not lingering. The walk through the New Forest itself is the real draw - ancient woodland, open heathland, roaming ponies - so pair it with a longer ramble rather than treating it as a destination in itself.

If you're based at Longbeech or Ocknell campsites nearby, it's an easy detour. For those staying at Green Hill Farm or further afield in the New Forest, it slots nicely into a morning's exploring. The forest's got enough to keep a family occupied for days, so don't plan your whole trip around a stone marker - but do walk to it if you're in the area.