Trinity House Obelisk

You'll spot this white stone tower from miles away across Weymouth's coast - it's been guiding mariners since 1887 and sits bang on the seafront. The Trinity House Obelisk marks the position of the old harbour entrance, and there's something rather satisfying about standing in front of such a purposeful bit of Victorian engineering. It's not a sprawling visitor attraction - you're looking at maybe twenty minutes here, tops - but it's the sort of thing that rewards a proper look. The stonework holds its own against the Channel winds, and if you've got an interest in maritime history or just fancy a structured walk along the promenade, it's worth the stop.

Weymouth itself makes for easy access; the obelisk sits right where holiday crowds drift past, so you won't need to hunt for it. Most people use it as a reference point rather than a destination, which is fair enough - it's functional architecture rather than theatrical. That said, if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Waterside or Chesil Beach Holiday Park just down the coast, you can incorporate it into a seafront stroll without any fuss. Bring the kids if they're interested in spotting lighthouses and maritime landmarks from a distance; younger ones might find it a bit dull on its own. Free to visit, obviously - it's part of the public realm. Best time is either early morning when the light catches the stone nicely, or late afternoon when the seafront quiets down a touch.