St. Giles Church

There's something about stepping into St. Giles Church in Durham that makes you properly pause. This isn't a grand cathedral - it's a proper medieval parish church that's been standing on this spot since at least the 12th century, and you can feel that weight of time in the stonework.

Inside, you'll find the usual treasures: a decent nave, some original features that survived various bits of rebuilding over the centuries, and that particular quietness churches have when they're doing their actual job rather than showing off. The stained glass is worth a look if you're into that sort of thing, though it's no Durham Cathedral.

This works best if you're already in Durham city centre - St. Giles sits right there, so it's an easy add-on to an afternoon walking round the cathedral and river. Spend twenty minutes here, not two hours. History buffs and church enthusiasts will get more out of it than families with kids who'll want moving on to something with more action.

If you're camped at The Old Armoury just down the road or staying at any of the caravan parks within a few miles - Durham Grange, Finchale Abbey, even the Barnard Castle sites - St. Giles makes sense as a gentle rainy-day diversion. Admission is free as far as we know, though opening times can be a bit unpredictable with these smaller churches, so check ahead or time your visit for a service if you're not sure.