St Thomas

St Thomas sits quietly in County Durham, a church that rewards the sort of visitor who actually enjoys pottering about ecclesiastical corners rather than ticking off Instagram spots. It's the kind of place where you can spend twenty minutes or three hours depending on whether you're just passing through Bishop Auckland or genuinely interested in the architecture and history.

The church itself is solid, proper Durham stone work with the sort of detail that makes you lean in closer - carved details, old glass, the usual weight of centuries. If you're into medieval or Victorian church architecture, there's enough here to justify stopping. Families with young children might find it a bit static after the initial five minutes, but anyone keen on local history or simply after a moment of quiet will find it worth the detour.

It's free to get in and there's no rush - stay as long as you fancy. The nearest caravan parks are Bradley Burn and Kingfisher, both less than two miles away, so it works well as a morning visit before heading to Bishop Auckland proper for lunch. If you're basing yourself at one of the parks further out - Heather View or Manor Park - it's an easy drive and worth combining with other stops around the area.

The location suits a slower holiday rather than a packed itinerary. Go when the light's good through the windows, ideally mid-morning. Don't expect it to be a full day's entertainment, but as part of exploring County Durham's religious heritage, it absolutely has its place.