Green Man Gatekeeper

Carved into a bridge pillar near Lydney, this weathered stone face peers out at passing traffic with an expression that's equal parts watchful and vaguely menacing. The Green Man Gatekeeper is one of those roadside oddities that rewards a quick detour - you'll spend five minutes here, tops, but it sticks with you.

It's genuinely just a carved head, nothing more, but that's the appeal. No gift shop, no entrance fee, no interpretive boards telling you what it means. You turn up, look at it, and make up your own mind about why someone felt compelled to chisel this thing into the landscape. History types will find it intriguing as a folk art piece; kids usually get a kick out of how slightly grotesque it is.

The location is brilliant if you're based at any of the nearby parks - Whitemead Forest Park, Deanwood, or the Forest and Wye Valley site are all within a few miles. It's the sort of thing you'd add to a morning walk rather than plan a trip around, unless you're the type who enjoys hunting down peculiar local landmarks. Combine it with a proper explore of the Wye Valley, or use it as an excuse to stop while driving through Gloucestershire.

No opening hours to worry about - it's just there on the roadside. Free to look at. Worth the minor detour if you're in the area.