Abington Avenue United Reformed Church

A Victorian-era United Reformed Church sitting quietly on Abington Avenue in Northampton, this is the sort of place that rewards a brief detour if you're exploring the town's religious architecture. The building itself is typical of the period - solid, respectable, no-nonsense - and worth a look from the outside at least. Inside, assuming you can get access, you'll find the sort of interior decoration and layout that appeals mainly to people genuinely interested in nonconformist church design rather than casual visitors.

It's very much a local congregation's working church rather than a tourist draw. You won't lose an hour here, and you definitely won't lose yourself in it. That said, if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Billing Aquadrome or Riverview Park just outside Northampton, and you fancy a walk into the town centre to stretch your legs beyond the usual high street shops, it's worth noting. The church sits on a proper avenue with other Georgian and Victorian terraces nearby, so there's a bit of character to the street itself.

Best approached on foot from Northampton's town centre - gives you an excuse to see some of the quieter residential streets. Check if visiting hours are posted outside, as many local churches lock up outside of service times. Free to look from the street; accessing the interior depends on whether someone's around. The surrounding neighbourhood is pleasant enough for a wander, though it's not the sort of spot that will make your holiday memorable on its own.