The Giant's Chair

An oversized wooden chair carved from a single oak tree sits in the grounds near Waltham Cross - the sort of thing you'd expect to find in a fairy tale, except this one's real and you can actually walk around it. The Giant's Chair is a sculpture gallery piece that draws visitors keen on public art and anyone after a genuinely odd photo opportunity. It's more sculpture park than traditional gallery, so dress for the weather and bring the camera.

The piece works best for families with older kids and art enthusiasts. Younger children might find it interesting for ten minutes before asking what's next - it's a single, impressive object rather than a sprawling attraction. History buffs will appreciate its place in contemporary British sculpture, though it won't occupy a full afternoon on its own.

Waltham Cross itself is the nearest town, handy for picking up supplies or lunch beforehand. If you're basing yourself at Fowley Mead Park or Theobalds Park nearby, the Chair makes a decent half-hour diversion on a wider day out exploring the Lee Valley area. The seasonal aspect matters - winter rain can make the grounds muddy, and autumn light hits it better than summer glare.

Admission details are thin on the ground, so ring ahead before making the trip. Combine it with a proper walk along the Lee Valley or a visit to one of the nearby parks for a fuller day. It's worth seeing if you're in the area, though don't plan an entire holiday around it.