H M Stanley Obelisk

The H M Stanley Obelisk stands in Conwy as a rather austere tribute to the explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who was born in the town in 1841. It's a modest monument - not the sort of thing that demands hours of your time, but worth a quick look if you're already wandering Conwy's streets. The obelisk itself is fairly straightforward: a stone pillar commemorating a man who became famous (or infamous, depending on your view) for his African expeditions and the now-problematic phrase "Dr Livingstone, I presume?"

Historians and anyone interested in Victorian exploration will find it interesting enough, though it's really a five-minute stop rather than a destination in itself. The inscription and simple design reflect the period when Stanley was celebrated as a great adventurer before modern scholarship took a harder look at his legacy.

Conwy itself is the real draw - the medieval castle dominates, and the harbour town has proper character. The obelisk fits neatly into a longer wander around the town centre rather than standing alone. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Golden Sands (5 miles away) or Parkdean Resorts Ty Mawr (5.4 miles), it's worth combining with a day exploring Conwy proper. Park the car, grab a coffee, see the castle, spot the obelisk, done. Rhyl is close by too if you want a classic seaside fix. Don't expect much, and you won't be disappointed.