King George II

You're standing on the spot where a statue of King George II once commanded attention in Leicester Square. It's gone now - removed in 1884 - but the history is still there if you know where to look. This isn't a grand monument or a visitor attraction with opening hours; it's more of a historical footnote that matters if you're interested in how London's public spaces have changed over time.

George II was Britain's second Hanoverian king, and for years his likeness dominated one of London's most fashionable squares. The statue itself was the work of John Bushnell, a significant sculptor of his day, though the king himself never actually visited the site to see it unveiled. What you get now is the knowledge that it was here, and perhaps a sense of how differently Victorians viewed their monarchs.

This works best for history enthusiasts and anyone doing a walking tour of Westminster or the West End rather than families looking for hands-on activities. There's nothing to queue for or pay to enter - you're essentially visiting an absence, which sounds odd but carries its own appeal. Leicester Square itself remains vibrant, packed with cinemas and restaurants, so you won't feel like you're visiting a dead zone.

Combine it with a broader London walk taking in Parliament or the nearby museums. If you're staying at Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping five miles out, this makes a worthwhile half-day trip into central London, though you'll need public transport to make it practical.