Beasts of the Sea by Henri Matisse

You'll spot these brilliantly coloured bollards dotted around Winchester's streets before you even realise what you're looking at. They're Matisse's work - a series of public art pieces that bring proper colour to the city centre. The designs feature marine creatures and abstract forms in that unmistakable Matisse style: bold blues, reds, and yellows that leap out against the medieval stone of old Winchester.

It's free to see them, which is the best part. There's no gallery to visit or admission fee - you just wander around spotting them as you go about exploring the town. Depending on how thorough you want to be, you could spend an hour hunting them all down or simply enjoy them as pleasant surprises while you're shopping or grabbing lunch.

Families with kids tend to enjoy the hunt aspect, and it's genuinely brilliant for walkers who want something visual without the commitment of a proper museum visit. History buffs might appreciate the contrast between medieval Winchester and mid-twentieth-century French modernism. On a grey day, these bollards absolutely make the place feel less grim.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Hookpit Farm gets consistently strong reviews - Winchester itself is easily walkable and makes a solid day trip from a park stay. The bollards work well as part of a larger Winchester wander that includes the cathedral and high street. Don't expect it to occupy hours, but it's a genuine highlight if you're already in the area.