Wooden Cannon

The Wooden Cannon sits in Kettering, and it's exactly what the name suggests - a rather splendid wooden cannon, the sort of thing you'll either find genuinely fascinating or walk straight past. It's a proper historical oddity, the kind of local landmark that makes you pause and think about why someone carved this out of timber in the first place.

There's not a huge amount to do here - it's more of a five-minute photo stop than a whole afternoon situation. You'll want to see it, appreciate the craftsmanship, maybe get a snap for Instagram, then crack on with exploring Kettering itself. History types will find it interesting; families with young children might struggle to keep attention for long unless they're genuinely into quirky local monuments.

Practical information is thin on the ground - opening hours and admission aren't clearly flagged - but given it's an outdoor installation in a public space, you're likely able to view it freely whenever you fancy. Check with Kettering's tourist information before you visit, just to confirm.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Northfield Farm is barely a mile away and gets solid reviews - the Wooden Cannon makes a decent diversion on a morning walk around town. It's the sort of thing that reminds you why local history matters, even when it comes in the form of something a bit daft. Worth ten minutes of your time if you're in the area.