Temple of Piety

You'll find this odd little structure tucked away in the countryside near Ripon, and it's genuinely one of those things that makes you wonder what on earth the Victorians were thinking. The Temple of Piety is an 18th-century folly - a small, decorative building that was built purely because someone had money and taste, or at least thought they did. It's the sort of thing that stops you mid-walk and makes you take a proper look around.

The temple itself is modest but distinctive, a romantic confection in stone that says more about Georgian fashion for follies than it does about any practical purpose. Walking up to it, you get a sense of being back in time when landowners liked to scatter their estates with these whimsical structures. It's not a place to spend hours, but it's absolutely worth the detour if you're already exploring the Ripon area.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from this one - it's a genuine snapshot of 18th-century taste and the kind of architectural indulgence that fascinates some people and baffles others. Allow 20 minutes or so if you're combining it with a walk through the surrounding countryside, which is genuinely lovely. There's no admission charge that we're aware of, though details are thin on the ground.

If you're staying at Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park or Riverside Meadows, both just a few miles away, this makes an easy afternoon ramble. It won't overwhelm anyone, but for those who enjoy spotting local oddities and old buildings, it's proper worth tracking down.