Danbury Mission Church

A small Victorian church sitting quietly on the outskirts of Danbury, just east of Chelmsford, this place won't take up your afternoon but it's worth a 20-minute detour if you're passing through Essex. Built in 1862, it's a proper example of mid-Victorian church architecture - red brick, pitched roof, nothing fancy but solid and unpretentious.

Inside there's decent stained glass and the kind of simple interior you find in working parish churches across England. It's genuinely peaceful. No tour groups, no queues, just the building itself. The churchyard is pleasant enough too if you fancy a short wander.

Honestly? It's best suited to church enthusiasts or walkers combining it with the surrounding countryside rather than families looking for a day out. You'll spend 15 minutes looking round, 10 if you're quick. It doesn't compete with Essex's bigger attractions, but as a quiet spot near Chelmsford it does the job. If you're staying at The Courts Campsite nearby (barely a mile away) or any of the parks dotted around the area - Hoe Mill Lock, Stuarts Wood, or further afield towards the coast - it's worth knowing it's there for a gentle morning walk. Just check opening hours first before you visit, as with most small village churches.