John Fielden statue

You'll find this bronze statue tucked into the fabric of Hebden Bridge, a nod to John Fielden, the 19th-century mill owner and social reformer who actually gave a damn about his workers. It's not a grand monument demanding hours of your time - more a pause-and-reflect sort of stop as you wander through this cracking Pennine town.

Fielden championed factory reform and workers' rights when most of his peers were content to grind people into the ground for profit. The statue itself is straightforward, nothing theatrical, which somehow feels right for a man who was about action rather than show. If you're into industrial history and the gritty realities of Lancashire's textile boom, it's worth finding. If you're just after a quick photo opportunity, you'll be done in five minutes flat.

Heaven Bridge itself is the real draw - independent shops, decent cafes, and genuine character. The town sits on the edge of some brilliant walking country, so combining this with a base at Old Chamber Camping or the Hebden Bridge Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite makes sense. Both sites are rated five stars and give you easy access to moorland walks and the wider Calderdale landscape.

Go when the weather's decent so you can actually explore the town properly. There's no admission charge and no opening hours to worry about - the statue's there whenever you fancy a look.