Olympic Rings

The Olympic Rings sit on a modest peak in Stratford, East London - a five-metre-high sculpture that's become far more of a pilgrimage spot than the actual venue itself. You'll find them perched near the old Olympic Park, and yes, they're exactly as they appear in photos: massive, unmissable, painted a crisp white and blue.

Honestly? It's a quick stop rather than a destination. Ten minutes here, maybe fifteen if you're taking photos from every angle. The rings themselves are free to visit and there's no formal viewing area - you just rock up, have a look, snap your picture, and move on. It works best as part of a broader wander through the regenerated Olympic Park rather than a standalone trip. Families with younger kids might find the novelty fun for about five minutes; serious photographers will want to come early to dodge the crowds.

Timing-wise, go on a weekday morning if possible. Weekends and school holidays turn it into a bit of a circus, and the light's better before midday anyway. The nearest proper base would be Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park up in Edmonton - about six miles north - though that site's nothing special according to recent reviews.

If you're already in East London visiting the park's museums, the Timber Lodge, or just cycling through, the rings are absolutely worth a detour. As a standalone reason to travel across London? Not really.