The Woking Martian

Standing seven metres tall in the centre of Woking, this bronze tripod sculpture celebrates the town's connection to H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds. The author lived locally when he penned his famous alien invasion tale, and this dramatic piece marks the spot where his fictional Martians first landed on Earth in 1898.

The sculpture itself is properly impressive - all angular metallic legs and an imposing presence that stops you in your tracks. It's the work of artist Michael Condron, erected in 1998 to mark the novel's centenary. You'll find information plaques around the base explaining the Wells connection and the story behind the artwork.

Science fiction fans will love it, obviously. Kids who've read the book or seen any of the film adaptations get a real kick out of standing beneath something that looks genuinely alien and menacing. Even if you're not into sci-fi, it's worth a quick look - takes all of ten minutes to walk around and read the information boards.

The sculpture sits in Crown Square, making it easy to combine with a wander around Woking's shops or a coffee break. If you're staying at Warren Farm Home Park or any of the other nearby sites around Chertsey and Weybridge, it's a decent little detour that won't eat up your whole day. Free to view, always accessible, and frankly more interesting than most town centre public art.