Grecian Urn: Two Vertical Forms

Barbara Hepworth's monumental bronze sculpture dominates the landscape near Sawbridgeworth - two towering vertical forms that seem to pierce the sky. Walking up to it is worth the effort alone, as the piece shifts and changes depending on where you're standing, the light playing across its weathered surface in ways a photograph simply can't capture.

This is abstract sculpture in its purest form, and it divides opinion. Some find it mesmerising, a meditation on form and space. Others think it's a bit much - a very large bronze that does exactly what it says on the tin. Honest assessment: you'll know within five minutes if this is for you or not.

It works brilliantly for sculpture enthusiasts and anyone with a genuine interest in modern art. Families with restless kids might find themselves standing around for less time than they'd hoped. The surrounding countryside is the real draw if the sculpture itself doesn't grab you - it's a decent walk through proper Essex-Hertfordshire border terrain.

Access appears to be free and outdoors, so you can visit year-round without worrying about opening hours. Allow twenty minutes unless you're planning to sit and really study it. If you're camping at The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake or Toad Abode, it's a manageable drive and makes for an unusual alternative to the usual park activities. Pair it with a walk round the local area rather than making it the main event.