Village Sign

The village sign stands at the heart of things in Hoddesdon, the sort of landmark locals pass without thinking twice but visitors tend to stop and photograph. It's a proper focal point - the kind of thing that grounds you in a place when you're not quite sure which way you're facing.

These signs matter more than they seem. They mark territory, tell you something about who lives here and what they reckon matters. Some are carved wood, others painted metal, many tell a story about the village's past - industry, landscape, notable residents. In Hoddesdon's case, you get a sense of the town's character and its relationship to the Lee Valley, which dominates the area.

It's the sort of stop that takes five minutes but settles you into a place properly. Not a destination in itself, but absolutely worth a look if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Lee Valley Caravan Park at Dobbs Weir is just over two miles away, or The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake if you want something with more of a boutique feel at three and a half miles.

Comes alive best on a proper ramble through town. Pair it with a walk along the Lee Valley itself or a wander through the high street to see how Hoddesdon has evolved. Photography types will find good angles, especially in late afternoon light. Free to view, of course - it's just standing there doing its job, marking the heart of things.