The Obelisk

The Obelisk stands as a rather unexpected monument in the South Yorkshire landscape, a stone needle that catches you off guard if you're not looking for it. It's the sort of thing that makes you wonder what on earth possessed someone to erect it in the middle of nowhere - and that's precisely what gives it character.

This is a straightforward historical marker, the kind of structure that rewards curiosity more than it rewards casual tourism. You'll get the most out of a visit if you're already interested in local South Yorkshire history or if you're the type who likes to seek out oddities during a caravan holiday. It's not going to entertain young children for long - twenty minutes, probably less - but if you're camping at Mapplewell Meadows Farm or Broadlands Farm Touring Caravan Site, both just four miles away, it's worth the short detour.

Barnsley makes a sensible base for exploring this area, and from there the Obelisk is an easy enough find. The admission details remain somewhat mysterious - you'll want to check locally or ring ahead rather than relying on outdated information. Allow an hour if you're combining it with a walk around the surrounding area, which tends to be more rewarding than the monument itself.

If you're stopping for the monument alone, you're after maybe fifteen minutes. If you're serious about understanding the local heritage, double that. Either way, it's the kind of stop that justifies itself only if you're already in the neighbourhood.