The Willey Sign

You'll spot it long before you reach it - a massive white painted sign sprawled across a hillside near Rugby that's been catching travellers' eyes since 1845. The Willey Sign is one of those wonderfully peculiar roadside markers that England does so well, a bit of Victorian advertising painted directly onto the landscape itself. It's visible from the main road, which makes it perfect for a quick stop rather than a full afternoon's outing.

This isn't a destination that'll consume hours of your time, but it's precisely the kind of oddball detour that makes for good stories back home. You can pull over, take your photos, and contemplate why someone thought it was a good idea to paint a massive advertisement on a hillside - then move on. It works best as part of a wider wander through Leicestershire rather than as a standalone trip.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Meadow Field Luxury Glamping is just three miles away - you've got a proper excuse to explore the broader area. Rosemarie Caravan Site and Fortway Farm Leisure are equally close by. The sign sits well on a route that includes other local walks and landmarks, rather than as a main event. Best viewed from a distance on a clear day when the white paint really stands out against the green. There's no admission charge, no facilities to speak of, and no operating hours because it's simply there on the hillside whenever you fancy looking at it. Factor in twenty minutes maximum unless you're a devoted fan of Victorian road signage.