Cartel Boulevard Gainford - mosaico obra de Nelson Papayani

You'll find this rather unexpected splash of colour on Cartel Boulevard in Gainford, a small village just outside Bishop Auckland - a vibrant mosaic work by Nelson Papayani that stops you dead in your tracks. It's the sort of thing you'd stumble upon while wandering the village and suddenly think: why is there this brilliant piece of street art here?

Papayani's mosaic is genuinely striking - bold, intricate, and utterly at odds with the quiet North Yorkshire setting. It's not huge, but it commands attention. The kind of thing that makes you pull out your phone, which everyone does.

This isn't a destination in itself, mind you. You won't spend hours here. But if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Cragwood, High Farm, or any of the glamping spots within a few miles - it's a proper reason to walk into the village rather than staying put at your base. Gainford itself is pleasant enough for a pint and a look around, so pair it with that.

Walkers will appreciate it as a detour on a local ramble. Photographers will definitely want to call in. History types might find the contrast between old village and modern art interesting. Kids? They'll either love the colours or be bored within two minutes - depends on the child.

Free to view, obviously. No admission fees for street art. Go whenever, though daylight's essential for actually seeing what you're looking at.