Giant Turtle #2

The Giant Turtle at Sussex University is one of those art installations that stops you dead. It's a proper statement piece - massive, impossible to miss, and frankly rather brilliant if you're into contemporary sculpture. Located on campus just outside Brighton, it's the kind of thing that makes you wonder how you've never heard of it before, even if you've driven past a hundred times.

What you're looking at is a large-scale sculptural work that commands attention without being preachy about it. The campus itself has a pleasant enough atmosphere for a wander, and the surrounding area is well-used by students and locals alike. It won't take long to see - twenty minutes tops if you're just grabbing photos - but it's worth the detour if you're already in the Brighton area or staying at one of the nearby campsites like Chalky Downs or Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club.

The real draw here is that it's free, accessible, and sits in a genuinely interesting landscape of South Downs slopes. If you're camping within three or four miles of Brighton, this makes for a decent morning or afternoon outing, especially if you've got teenagers who appreciate art that doesn't require a gallery ticket. Parents with younger children might find it a bit underwhelming once they've taken their photo - there's no real interaction or play element.

Best visited midweek when the campus is quieter. Check the university website before you go, as access can occasionally be restricted during events.