Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington

Bronze horse and rider dominate the landscape near Farnham - this is the equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, a proper Victorian monument that catches you off guard when you round the corner. It's the sort of thing you either make a five-minute pilgrimage to or stumble upon while walking the Surrey Hills, depending on your tolerance for 19th-century military tributes.

The statue itself is impressive enough - Wellington mounted, commanding, the kind of thing that was meant to intimidate and inspire in equal measure. It's free to view and accessible year-round, which means you can swing by any time without worrying about opening hours or admission fees. Most people allow ten to fifteen minutes, though if you're interested in the history of the Peninsular Wars or just like standing around reading plaques, you might linger longer.

Families with young children will probably find it underwhelming after the initial novelty wears off. Walkers, though, will appreciate it as a waypoint on a longer route through the Surrey Hills - there's decent countryside around it. History buffs might get more from it if they know their Wellington already.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is excellent if you can secure a spot, though Chapel Farm Park is more accessible - the statue makes a reasonable afternoon detour. It's not worth planning a day around, but it'll give your walk some purpose.