Barwick Obelisk

You'll spot this 72-foot tower from miles around - a proper Victorian folly rising unexpectedly from the Dorset countryside near Yeovil. Built in 1835 by Henry Willett to commemorate his son, it's less about what's inside and more about the walk to get there and the views once you arrive. The obelisk sits on high ground, so the approach takes you through decent walking country, and the payoff is genuinely good - on a clear day you can see across Somerset and into Dorset's rolling farmland.

There's not much to do once you're standing in front of it, to be honest. It's a monument, not an attraction with facilities or exhibits. But if you're based at nearby glamping sites like Swallowfield or Esme's Escape and fancy a proper walk rather than another castle visit, this works well. Half an hour to get here, quarter of an hour to admire it and take photos, then back. Walkers will get more out of it than families with small children, though the approach is manageable enough.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted, though we'd suggest checking locally before heading out. The nearest proper town is Yeovil if you need supplies or a coffee first. It's not a major draw in itself, but as part of a broader walking day in the area - combining it with other Dorset countryside routes - it breaks up the itinerary nicely. Worth the detour if you're already in the region, less worth planning a trip specifically around.