The Obelisk

Standing on the outskirts of Ripon, this stone monument cuts a stark figure against the Yorkshire sky. The Obelisk was raised in 1781 to commemorate William Aislabie, a local landowner who left his mark on the area - though by today's standards, it's less flashy monument and more humble historical marker. You'll find it a straightforward affair: a tall stone pillar with inscriptions that tell you something about 18th-century tastes in remembrance.

It works best for history buffs and walkers who don't mind a slight detour off the main tourist trail. The real appeal is the location itself - you get decent views across the surrounding countryside, which makes the short walk here feel worthwhile rather than a quick tick-box exercise. Allow perhaps thirty minutes if you're combining it with a walk around the area.

Frequenting the site costs nothing, which is about right. It's the sort of place you'd stumble upon while exploring Ripon's Georgian architecture and cathedral rather than plan a special trip for. But if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park and Riverside Meadows Caravan Park are both within easy reach - it's absolutely worth incorporating into a day's rambling. The surrounding countryside is gentle and rolling, proper North Yorkshire, and the monument serves as a decent focal point for a longer outing. Winter visits are quieter, though the exposed position means you'll want to time it for decent weather.