Paddington Visits Sculpture Trail - Penrith

Walking round Penrith town centre and spotting bronze Paddington figures frozen mid-adventure is oddly charming. There are several sculptures dotted about - the bear himself in various poses, reference points to the stories most people grew up with. It's free, obviously, and takes as long as you fancy. A quick loop round town? Twenty minutes. A proper hunt for all of them? Couple of hours if you're thorough.

Kids will get a kick out of it, particularly those who still read the books or watched the films. Adults who remember Michael Bond's stories find it genuinely affectionate rather than saccharine. The sculptures are well-executed without being overly sentimental - you get actual character from them.

Fits nicely into a Penrith base holiday, particularly if you're staying at Crossfells Campsite or Lowther Holiday Park nearby. It's a town walk that doesn't feel like work, which is ideal when you've got youngsters and the Lakes are looking rainy. The sculptures are genuinely good pieces of public art, not throwaway stuff. You'll probably find yourself lingering longer than you expected, especially if you've got any affection for the character.

No admission fee, no opening hours to worry about - just wander when it suits. Pair it with the town's shops and cafes and you've got a decent couple of hours sorted. Worth building into a day when you're exploring Penrith proper rather than heading straight for Ullswater or the high fells.