Obelisk,Tring Park Woodland Trust

An 18th-century brick obelisk stands incongruously in the middle of Tring Park woodland, and honestly, it's the sort of thing that makes you wonder what Victorian landowner thought this was a good idea. Built as a folly by one of the park's former owners, it punctuates the landscape in a way that feels almost deliberately absurd - which is partly why it works. The obelisk itself isn't vast, but reaching it rewards a walk through proper woodland, and that's where the real appeal lies rather than the monument itself.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate the context - it's a surviving example of 18th-century estate design when rolling countryside dotted with architectural follies was very much in vogue. The woodland surrounding it, now managed by the Woodland Trust, is the draw for most people. Walking paths crisscross through beech and oak, and the obelisk serves as a satisfying destination rather than a standalone attraction.

No admission fee, and you can approach it freely as part of the wider park. Allow an hour or so for a circuit walk depending on fitness. It's worth combining with a visit to nearby Berkhamsted, which has its own castle ruins and town amenities. If you're camping at Norcott Campsite or Hill Farm - both within easy reach - the woodland walk is a solid half-morning activity, particularly on a crisp autumn day when the light filters through properly. It's not going to hold younger children's attention for long on its own, but as part of a broader woodland ramble, it slots in nicely.