Twister

Standing 35 feet tall along the Essex coast near Clacton-on-Sea, this spiralling steel sculpture cuts a distinctive figure against the flat landscape. The Twister is exactly what it sounds like - a twisted metal tower that serves as both landmark and local talking point. You can spot it from quite a distance, which is rather the point.

Walkers and cyclists will find it makes a decent waypoint on coastal routes, though don't expect anything more than a photo opportunity once you reach it. The sculpture itself takes about two minutes to appreciate fully - it's more about the journey than the destination. Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Parkdean's Valley Farm or Highfield Grange often use it as a target for afternoon walks, though younger children might lose interest quickly.

The surrounding area offers pleasant enough views across the Essex countryside, but this isn't a destination that warrants a special trip. It works best as part of a longer walk or cycle ride from Clacton-on-Sea. The lack of facilities means you'll want to sort refreshments elsewhere, but it's free to visit and accessible year-round. Worth a look if you're already in the area exploring the coast between St Osyth and Clacton, but don't rearrange your holiday plans around it.