Stan Laurel Statue

There's a bronze statue of Stan Laurel standing in Whitley Bay, the comedic half of Laurel and Hardy, cast in an oversized overcoat that somehow captures exactly why we remember him. Born Arthur Stanley Jefferson in this seaside town in 1890, Laurel went on to become one of cinema's greatest physical comedians - and this memorial, positioned near the seafront, is a proper tribute to a local lad who made good.

The statue itself isn't massive, but it's got character. You can wander up to it, have a look around, and it's the sort of thing that takes five minutes max - though if you're a silent film enthusiast or just interested in British entertainment history, you'll want to linger a bit. Free to visit, obviously. No opening hours to worry about since it's outdoors.

It works brilliantly as a quick stop during a seaside holiday. Whitley Bay's got a decent beach and the usual seaside attractions nearby, and if you're staying at Parkdean Resorts' holiday park here or the Old Hartley Caravan site just up the coast, this is literally on your doorstep. Won't keep you long, but it's exactly the sort of local touch that makes a holiday feel less generic - a nod to someone who came from nothing and ended up making millions laugh. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't expect it to be a major event.