Queen Victoria

A bronze statue of Queen Victoria stands in York's city centre, a reminder of the monarch's 63-year reign and the Victorian era that shaped modern Britain. It's not a destination you'd plan a day around, but it's absolutely worth a look if you're wandering through York's streets - which you will be, since the city itself is the proper draw.

The statue catches you by surprise sometimes. You'll be heading towards the Minster or browsing the shop-lined streets and suddenly there she is, looking out over the city with that familiar stern expression. It's the kind of thing that makes you pause and think about how differently Victorians saw their monarch compared to how we view royalty now.

York itself is the real star - medieval walls, the cathedral, independent shops and decent restaurants mean you could easily spend two or three days here. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Nurseries Caravan Park or Wagtail Park, the statue is a ten-minute walk from the centre, making it an easy addition to an afternoon's exploration.

Admission is free, naturally - it's a public monument. You won't need more than five minutes to see it properly, though you might linger longer if you're keen on Victorian history or city monuments. Families with young children probably won't find much to hold their attention, but walkers and anyone interested in York's heritage will appreciate the historical context it provides.