Dolphin Sundial

The Dolphin Sundial sits in central London as one of those artworks most people walk past without really seeing it. It's a functional sundial, sure, but carved into the pavement with dolphins - proper whimsical touch that catches you off guard when you spot it. The thing actually tells the time if you know how to read it, which I'll admit defeated me until someone explained how the shadows fall across the creature's body.

Historians and public art enthusiasts will find it worth a five-minute stop, especially if you're already in the area. Kids might spend two minutes looking for the dolphins and then want to move on - it's not a destination in itself, more of a discovery. There's no admission fee and no opening hours to worry about because it's right there in the street where anyone can see it any time.

If you're basing yourself at somewhere like Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping on the outskirts, this is easily folded into a London day trip rather than planned as a proper outing. It pairs well with actual galleries and museums in the city centre - you'll wander past it while exploring somewhere else more substantial. Don't make the trip just for the sundial, but do look down when you're in the neighbourhood. That's when public art works best - when it catches you by surprise.