Puy de Dôme Figure

The Puy de Dôme Figure sits in Hampshire's countryside, a striking sculptural piece that'll stop you mid-walk. It's a contemporary art installation - bold, geometric, and nothing like the traditional village sculptures you might expect in this corner of the South East.

If you're into modern art or fancy something a bit different from the usual country pursuits, this one's worth the detour from Southampton. It's the sort of thing that works well as part of a longer ramble rather than a standalone trip. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the lines and how it sits against the landscape; kids might find it interesting for ten minutes before wanting to move on.

The piece itself is accessible, and there's no admission charge to view it from the nearby paths. Depending on where you're starting from, allow 30 minutes to an hour to get there and back, though you could easily stretch that into a proper country walk. Best visited when the light's decent - golden hour makes the sculpture look far better than it does on grey afternoons.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Sunnydale Farm is closest at just over four miles away, while Mercury Holiday Park is a bit further out - this works nicely as a morning or late-afternoon activity. The rolling Hampshire countryside around here is proper pleasant for a gentle walk, and the sculpture gives the outing a bit of purpose. Don't expect crowds. That's rather the point.