Market Hall Column

Standing alone in what was once the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon's bustling market square, this solitary stone column is all that remains of the town's medieval Market Hall. The weathered pillar, topped with a simple stone ball, marks where merchants once traded beneath a timber-framed roof that sheltered the weekly markets for centuries.

History buffs will appreciate the column's significance - it's a tangible link to Shakespeare's Stratford, when the Bard would have known this spot as the commercial centre of his hometown. The original hall was demolished in 1820, leaving just this lonely sentinel to tell its tale.

Don't expect much of a detour though. You can see everything there is to see in about two minutes, and there's precious little signage to explain its importance. Best treated as a brief pause while exploring Stratford's main shopping streets rather than a destination in its own right.

Families staying at nearby parks like Rayford Caravan Park or Stratford Parks will likely pass it while wandering the town centre. It's free to view (hardly surprising given it's just a column on a street corner) and makes for a quick photo opportunity if you're collecting Shakespeare-era remnants. Kids might need the historical context explained to show any interest whatsoever.