Statue of Duke of Wellington

The Duke of Wellington sits astride his horse in the middle of Leeds city centre, and it's properly commanding. You can't miss it - the bronze figure dominates the junction where it's stood since 1877, watching over the city with that stern expression you'd expect from someone who'd seen actual warfare.

It's the sort of monument that rewards a proper look rather than a rushed photo. The horse's musculature is genuinely impressive, and the detail work on Wellington's uniform tells you this was crafted by someone who knew their subject. History buffs will appreciate the craftsmanship and the era it represents - this is Victorian confidence in bronze form.

The statue works best as part of a wider Leeds wander rather than a destination in itself. You'll find it right in the shopping quarter, so it's impossible to avoid, and that actually works in its favour. Stop for five minutes, read the plaque, take a photo without the queue. Free, obviously, because it's sat in the street.

If you're based at St Helena's or Glenfield just outside the city, it's a straightforward trip into Leeds centre. You'll likely pass it while heading to the markets or the arcades anyway. Not something to make a special journey for unless you're properly into Victorian monuments, but worth your time if you're in town. The setting itself - surrounded by Georgian and Victorian buildings - gives it proper context.