Statue of Queen Victoria

The Queen Victoria statue stands in Leeds city centre, a solid Victorian-era monument that's been watching over the streets for well over a century. It's the sort of thing you'll stumble past while wandering between the shops and cafes rather than plan a special trip for, but it's worth a proper look if you're already in town.

What you get is a formal seated figure in bronze, impressive in its sheer scale and craftsmanship - the kind of public sculpture that reminds you Leeds was serious money once upon a time. It's free to view, obviously, and takes about five minutes to appreciate properly unless you're really into Victorian portraiture or local history.

This works best if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - St Helena's, Glenfield, Moor Lodge or Haighfield are all within a few miles - and making a day of exploring Leeds itself. The statue sits comfortably alongside a proper wander around the city's architecture, the covered arcades, and decent cafes. History enthusiasts will get more from it than most, especially if they pair it with visits to other Victorian-era buildings dotted through the city.

Best avoided during major shopping days when the crowds make photography tricky. Late morning on a weekday gives you space to look properly without fighting past shoppers. It's a small piece of Yorkshire's industrial heritage, solid and unapologetic - rather like Leeds itself.