Mountsorrel Cross

A weathered stone cross stands in the centre of Mountsorrel village, just a short drive from Leicester. It's one of those landmarks that's easy to walk past without giving it a second glance, but stop and look properly and you're holding history in your gaze - this thing has been here since medieval times, watching the village change around it.

What you're actually looking at is a market cross, the sort of focal point where traders would gather and announcements get made. It's a modest affair compared to some of the grander specimens you'll find elsewhere, but that's rather the point. This is real village history, not polished up for the tourists.

Truth is, you'll spend ten minutes here maximum, maybe fifteen if you're the type to photograph it from every angle. It works best as a stopping point when you're already in the area rather than a dedicated trip - combine it with a walk around Bradgate Park just down the road, or use it as a marker point on a longer ramble through the Charnwood Forest area.

Families with young kids won't find much to keep them occupied here on its own, but walkers heading between the various parks and countryside spots in the region will appreciate having it marked on their route. The village itself has the usual local amenities if you need a cup of tea after your explorations.

No admission charge that I'm aware of - it's just sitting there in the public space, free to inspect whenever you fancy.