Copthorne Canines

A life-size bronze statue of three dogs stands beside the road near Lingfield - and yes, it's exactly as odd as it sounds. Copthorne Canines is one of those roadside curiosities that stops you mid-drive and makes you wonder what possessed someone to commission it. The sculpture itself is well-crafted, depicting three hounds with real character in their poses, and it's become something of a talking point for passing motorists.

Truth is, it's not a destination that'll keep you occupied for hours. You'll want five minutes, maybe ten if you're taking photos or letting the kids clamber about. It's free to visit and there's no formal opening hours - it's just there, beside the road, doing its thing. The novelty factor works best if you're already in the area exploring Lingfield itself, which has a proper racing heritage and some decent pubs.

If you're based at Long Acres Caravan & Camping Park or the glamping site nearby, Copthorne Canines makes for an amusing leg-stretch on a wet afternoon. Not a reason to book a holiday in itself, but a quirky footnote to one. Families with young kids who get excited about unexpected roadside oddities will get more mileage from it than serious walkers. The surrounding Surrey lanes are worth exploring properly though - that's where the real value lies.