The Golden Kilometre

The Golden Kilometre is a stretch of the A1(M) motorway between junctions 22 and 23, just east of Elstree, which briefly held the distinction of being the world's most expensive road surface when it was resurfaced in the 1990s. The stretch earned its nickname because of the eye-watering cost per mile - a genuinely interesting bit of British infrastructure trivia, though the actual viewing experience is frankly a bit underwhelming.

You won't be stopping the car for a proper look round, obviously. It's a motorway. The real appeal here is the story rather than the sight - one of those facts that makes for good pub chat or a fascinating footnote if you're driving past. History enthusiasts and road infrastructure nerds might get a kick out of spotting it from the slip road, though you'd need to be genuinely into that sort of thing to make a special trip.

If you're basing yourself at one of the local caravan parks - The Mimms Caravan Park is closest at just 4.6 miles away, though Home Farm Glamping (5.8 miles) offers superior facilities if you're after more comfort - the Golden Kilometre works as a quick educational distraction rather than a destination in itself. Aldenham Country Park, six miles south, offers far better value for time spent, with proper woodland walks and open space.

Really, only visit if you're already in the area and fancy a motorway-side curiosity stop. Don't detour specifically for it.