Killiams Park Owl

There's a rather famous owl sculpture planted in the middle of Killiams Park near Taunton, and it's become one of those quirky Somerset landmarks that people either make a beeline for or stumble upon by accident. The piece itself is eye-catching - unmissable really - and the park gives you space to walk around it properly and take photos without feeling rushed.

It works best as part of a longer wander through the Somerset Levels rather than a standalone trip. The surrounding countryside is flat and open, which means you'll actually see the thing from some distance away. If you're staying at Holly Bush Caravan Park or the excellent 5 acres site on the levels nearby, this is the sort of spot that fills a gap between lunch and a more substantial afternoon activity. Families with younger kids tend to enjoy the novelty of hunting it down, though it's not exactly an all-day affair.

The real draw is the walk itself and the chance to stretch your legs across proper Somerset landscape. On a clear day the views across the levels are genuinely worth the trip, especially in late afternoon when the light gets decent. Taunton is close enough that you could combine this with town shopping or a proper look around, but honestly the park visit works best when you're already in the area exploring the wider countryside. Allow twenty minutes to half an hour, bring a decent camera, and don't expect anything too elaborate - it's a sculpture, not a visitor centre.