Friar Gate Heads

Two stone heads carved into an archway on Friar Gate in Derby - that's all you need to know to find this spot, and honestly, it's worth the five-minute detour if you're wandering the town centre. The heads are medieval, grinning down at passers-by with a mischievous air that's somehow survived centuries of weather and neglect. One's a man, one's a woman, and they've got character that most modern sculpture lacks.

It's not a gallery in the traditional sense - more a bit of architectural theatre you stumble upon. History types will get a kick out of trying to date them and working out who commissioned the work. Kids tend to find them slightly creepy and wholly memorable, which is never a bad thing. You won't spend long here, but that's part of the appeal. Pop in, look up, move on.

Free to view, obviously, since they're part of the building fabric. No opening hours to worry about either - they're outside and accessible whenever you fancy. If you're staying at Hill Farm Camping & Caravan Park just outside the city, this is an easy rainy-day activity before heading back to the caravan. Derby's got enough in its centre to make it a proper half-day trip, and Friar Gate Heads are the kind of unexpected detail that makes exploring a town on foot actually rewarding.