Big Lizard

Just outside Swadlincote, there's a rather quirky roadside landmark that stops people dead in their tracks - a massive lizard sculpture that's become something of a local talking point. It's not your typical tourist attraction, more the kind of thing you stumble across and think, fair enough, that's here then.

The Big Lizard itself is a substantial concrete creation that looms beside the road with the kind of cheery absurdity you either find amusing or utterly bewildering. It's the sort of place where you pull over, take a photo, maybe spend five minutes wondering why it exists, then carry on. No entrance fee, no opening hours to worry about - you just rock up whenever.

Honestly, this isn't somewhere to plan an afternoon around. It's more of a quick stop if you're passing through the area, a bit of light relief between more substantial attractions. Kids might find it entertaining for about ten minutes, especially if they enjoy spotting odd local landmarks. If you're staying at Peake's Retreats nearby - which is excellent by all accounts - you could easily work this into a local drive without adding much time to your day.

The Staffordshire-Derbyshire border area has far more compelling draws for a proper park holiday, but the Big Lizard works as a cheerful oddity to break up the journey. Don't plan your whole trip around it, but don't overlook it either if you're in the neighbourhood.