Amy Johnson Statue

You'll find this bronze figure standing in Beverley town centre, a tribute to one of aviation's most daring pioneers. Amy Johnson was born here in 1903 and became the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia - a staggering feat in 1930 when flying was still properly dangerous. The statue captures something of her spirit: determined, forward-looking, utterly uncompromising.

It's a quick stop rather than a destination in itself. You can view it whenever you like since it's in public space, and it takes five minutes to examine properly. But if you're interested in early aviation history or women who shattered glass ceilings before anyone even named the problem, it's worth seeking out. The inscription tells her story clearly enough.

Beverley itself is worth an afternoon. The minster is genuinely spectacular - one of England's finest Gothic churches - and the town has proper character with decent cafes and antique shops. If you're staying at Manor Farm Camping nearby, the statue makes for a gentle walk into town when you fancy a break from the caravan. Kids probably won't linger unless they're already hooked on aviation, but it pairs well with a broader exploration of Beverley's heritage. On a dry day, the walk from the campsite is pleasant enough, taking you through some genuine East Yorkshire countryside before you hit the Georgian streets and market squares.