Bourton on the Waters Famous Camel Bush

The camel bush sits on the high street in Bourton-on-the-Water, a topiary cut into the shape of a rather lopsided camel. It's become something of a local talking point over the years - some reckon it's an old Cotswolds quirk, others think it's just brilliant kitsch. Either way, it's there, and it's a photograph opportunity most visitors can't resist.

You'll spot it as you wander through the village itself, which is already worth an hour or two on foot. The River Windrush runs through the centre, and the stone cottages either side are exactly what you'd expect from the Cotswolds - honey-coloured, well-maintained, and packed with tea rooms. The camel isn't really a destination in itself; it's more of a curiosity that punctuates a proper afternoon out.

Don't expect to spend more than five minutes actually looking at it. There's no visitor centre, no admission charge as far as anyone knows, and honestly it's the kind of thing that works best as a spontaneous find rather than a planned stop. That said, if you're staying at Cotswolds Meadow Glamping just down the road, it's an easy stroll into the village.

The real value is in combining it with a walk along the water meadows or browsing the independent shops and pubs. Families with kids will get a kick out of spotting it and taking the obligatory snap. History buffs might find the wider village more compelling. Photographers could do worse on a golden-hour evening.