St. Mary's Cathedral

The twin spires of St. Mary's Cathedral rise above Stanley like a declaration - you spot them long before you arrive. Built in the 1840s, this Gothic Revival church is properly imposing, all soaring stone and serious Victorian intent. The interior doesn't disappoint either: high vaulted ceilings, ornate tilework, and enough stained glass to keep you looking up for a good twenty minutes.

It's the sort of place that appeals to architecture enthusiasts and history buffs far more than it will to fidgety kids. There's no interactive element, no café, no gift shop - just a genuinely stunning piece of 19th-century ecclesiastical design. You can walk around at your own pace, and the acoustics are excellent if you catch a service or choir practice.

Allow 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you want to absorb. Check ahead on opening times before you visit, as these can be variable. Admission appears to be free, though a donation box sits near the entrance.

If you're staying at Beamish Holiday Park just six miles away, this makes an easy afternoon detour. Stanley itself is a former mining town that's slowly reinventing itself - the cathedral is genuinely its finest feature. Pair it with a walk around the town centre or grab a coffee nearby, but don't expect this to fill an entire day. It's a worthwhile stop rather than a destination in itself.