Tanabe Castle stone

The stone itself is small - easy to miss if you're not looking for it - but that's rather the point. Tanabe Castle stone sits quietly near Hayling Island, a modest reminder of a Japanese castle that once stood here during the Edo period, brought to England as part of a collector's obsession. It's one of those oddities that makes you stop and think about the strange journeys objects take across the world.

You won't spend hours here. It's the sort of spot where you stand for five minutes, read whatever information is available, and feel pleased you've found it. History enthusiasts will get a kick out of the sheer oddness of it - a piece of Japan lodged in Hampshire. Walkers exploring the Hayling Island area might stumble across it as a waypoint rather than a destination in itself.

The area around Hayling Island is flat and coastal, so if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Hayling Island Holiday Park or Mill Rythe Coastal Village are close by - this could slot neatly into a morning wander before hitting the beach or heading into town. Don't expect signposting or visitor facilities; you'll need to do your research beforehand to pin down the exact location.

It's free, obviously, and accessible whenever you fancy. Worth the detour if you're already in the area and like your attractions with a bit of backstory, but not worth a special journey from further afield.