Burton Pynsent Monument

That towering column visible from miles across the Somerset Levels is Burton Pynsent Monument, a rather unexpected sight rising from the flat landscape near Othery. It's a 100-foot stone obelisk built in 1770 to honour William Pynsendt, a local MP and landowner - the sort of vanity project that feels very 18th century. You can see it from the road, but the real experience is walking up to it. The approach takes you across quiet farmland, and standing at its base, you realise just how ambitious the thing is for such a remote spot. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - this is pure landscape experience.

Historically minded types will appreciate the sheer oddness of it all. Children, honestly, might find the walk there more interesting than the monument itself - it's a column, and after five minutes of looking at it, you've rather got the measure of things. The walk is straightforward enough on good paths, taking maybe forty minutes return from nearby parking, though the flat terrain can feel exposed in bad weather.

If you're based at one of the local caravan parks - 5 Acres on the Somerset Levels or Thorney Lakes are both close by - it makes for an easy afternoon outing. It won't eat up your whole day, but it breaks up the monotony of the Levels nicely and gives you a proper sense of why this landscape mattered to the people who lived here. Best in decent weather when the views stretch properly.