Portrait Figure of Elisabeth Frink

You'll find this bronze portrait tucked away in Sawbridgeworth, a town that doesn't make many travel itineraries but rewards those who do venture here. Elisabeth Frink was one of Britain's most accomplished sculptors, and this particular piece captures something raw about portraiture - the way bronze can hold both strength and vulnerability at once. It's the sort of work that stops you mid-walk, makes you circle back to look again from a different angle.

The sculpture works best for anyone with even a passing interest in modern British art or sculpture generally. You don't need to be a Frink devotee to appreciate it, though knowing her reputation helps. It's a quick visit - ten minutes tops - so don't plan your day around it. Rather, slot it in while exploring Sawbridgeworth itself, which has a proper riverside setting worth an hour's wander.

Being this close to The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake (under two miles away) makes it an easy addition to a caravan park weekend. If you're staying at Toad Abode or Lee Valley, you're looking at a short drive. The sculpture is outdoors and accessible, which matters if weather's questionable. Autumn or spring visits are nicer than summer when the town gets busier, though honestly it's quiet year-round. Free to view, naturally - it's public art. Worth the detour if you're already in Hertfordshire, but I wouldn't travel specially from London just for this one.