Statue of Bacchus

The Statue of Bacchus stands in Northamptonshire as one of those unexpected finds that catches you completely off guard. You're walking through the grounds, probably thinking about lunch in Peterborough, and suddenly there it is - this Roman god of wine frozen in bronze or stone, looking rather pleased with himself.

It's the sort of thing that appeals most to archaeology buffs and anyone with a weakness for classical sculpture. If you're dragging reluctant teenagers around, you'll get maybe ten minutes out of them before they're asking when you're heading back to the car. But if you're the type who stops to read every plaque and ponders what ancient Romans were actually like, you could spend a proper chunk of time here contemplating the craftsmanship.

The practical stuff: I'd ring ahead about admission charges and opening hours before you trek out, as details are thin on the ground. Allow 30 minutes unless you're deep into Roman history, in which case an hour won't feel wasted. It works well as a stop-off if you're basing yourself at Brightside Caravan Park - close enough that you're not burning half the day driving, far enough that it feels like a proper outing rather than a quick park wander.

Bacchus rewards the curious but won't blow your mind if you're just after a casual afternoon. Worth the detour? Yes - but only if statuary genuinely interests you.