Lion statue

There's a rather magnificent lion statue somewhere in Derbyshire that's worth tracking down if you're in the Ashbourne area. I'll be honest - the details are thin on the ground, which is half the problem with hunting these things down. What I can tell you is that it's catalogued as a gallery attraction, though whether that means it's housed indoors or stands proudly outside isn't entirely clear from the information I've got.

If you're staying at Poplars Farm Caravanning just outside Ashbourne - a solid spot with decent reviews - this could make a pleasant half-hour diversion whilst you're exploring the surrounding countryside. Derbyshire's got no shortage of these odd sculptures and artworks tucked away in villages and towns, and a lion statue definitely has that slightly eccentric English charm that makes people stop and take photos.

The real question is how much time to allocate. If it's just the statue itself, honestly, twenty minutes max unless there's something more substantial around it. Before you drive out specifically to see it, I'd ring ahead to confirm the opening hours and whether there's free access - the lack of website details suggests it might be on a smaller museum's grounds or part of a wider collection rather than a standalone attraction.

Pair it with a proper walk around Ashbourne itself if you're making the trip. The town's got decent pubs and the countryside nearby is exactly why you'd book Poplars Farm in the first place.