The Light

You'll spot The Light from miles away - a striking contemporary sculpture that punctures the Durham skyline like nothing else in the region. It's a bold, angular structure that catches the light differently depending on the time of day and weather, which sounds pretentious but genuinely works. The piece itself is a statement about modern art in a landscape that's heavy with medieval history, and it divides opinion sharply. Some reckon it's brilliant; others think it's an eyesore. Worth forming your own view.

It's essentially a photo stop and viewing point rather than somewhere you'll spend hours. Twenty minutes covers it unless you're seriously into contemporary sculpture or want to walk the surrounding area properly. The real appeal is how it makes you see the county differently - it's become a proper local landmark in a way few modern artworks manage.

Families with teenagers might get something from it, especially if they're into art or architecture. Younger kids will find it mildly interesting for about five minutes. Walkers heading through Durham would do worse than making it part of a longer route.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Andy's Woodland or Durham Grange are both close - it's an easy addition to your itinerary. The sculpture sits within reach of Durham's actual attractions: the cathedral, the castle, the riverside walks. Think of it as a modern counterpoint to all that. There's no admission cost as far as I know, and access appears straightforward, though checking conditions before you visit would be sensible.