Anahilt Presbyterian Church

The church sits quietly off the main road near Hillsborough, a whitewashed building that doesn't shout about itself. Anahilt Presbyterian Church has been here since 1654, which is the sort of age that stops you in your tracks when you realise how many centuries of worship have happened within those walls.

It's a proper working church rather than a museum piece, so you won't find tour guides or gift shops. What you get instead is the real thing - original timber roof, galleries, the kind of understated elegance that Presbyterian architecture does rather well. The interior feels lived-in and genuine, which is exactly what makes it worth the detour if you're into religious buildings and local history.

This works best for people who actually enjoy churches rather than those just ticking boxes. Historians will appreciate the age and architectural details. It's quiet, peaceful, and takes about thirty minutes to have a proper look around. You'll want to check opening times before you visit since it's not always unlocked - ring ahead or catch a service if you're timing it right.

If you're staying at Lakeside View Caravan Park, it's only a few miles away, making it an easy morning or afternoon addition to a Lisburn and Castlereagh break. Pair it with a walk around Hillsborough village itself - the square is worth a wander and there are decent pubs nearby.