Stone Nymph

You'll find Stone Nymph tucked away in North Yorkshire, a genuinely curious bit of local history that most people driving past Leeds completely miss. It's a carved stone figure - a female form, hence the name - that's been weathering the Yorkshire elements for centuries. The real appeal here is the detective work involved. Nobody quite knows who commissioned it or why it ended up where it did, which gives the whole thing a pleasantly mysterious edge.

The sculpture itself isn't enormous, so you're not talking about a major expedition. It's the sort of thing that rewards a quiet walk and a bit of contemplation rather than demanding hours of your time. History buffs and anyone interested in folk art will find it worth the detour from Leeds, though families with restless kids might find it a bit underwhelming - there's not much to do once you've had a look and taken your photo.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Haighfield, Moor Lodge, or Glenfield are all within a few miles - it makes a decent morning walk as part of a larger ramble through the area. The surrounding countryside is decent for stretching your legs, and you'll get a sense of why locals have stories about this place. Admission details are thin on the ground, so ring ahead before you go. Worth fitting in if you're already in the region, but don't make a special trip unless you're particularly into quirky historical oddities.