Christ Church

The church sits quietly on the edge of Hertford, a solid Victorian structure that catches you off guard if you're not expecting it. Christ Church is one of those places that rewards a proper wander round the churchyard - the kind of spot where you can spend twenty minutes reading gravestones and actually feeling like you've learned something about the town's past.

Inside, it's all high ceilings and that particular smell of old wood and floor polish that church interiors seem to share. The architecture is straightforward rather than showy, which means it appeals more to history types and people interested in Victorian design than it might to casual visitors looking for something visually dramatic. Families with restless kids will probably find twenty minutes here is about right before everyone gets antsy.

Admission is typically free - it's a working parish church, so opening hours can be variable. Best bet is to time a visit for a Sunday service if you want to see it properly, or ring ahead if you're planning a specific weekday trip. Allow an hour if you're the thorough sort, half that if you're dipping in between other things.

It sits naturally into a wider Hertford ramble. The camping sites nearby - Hertford Camping and Caravanning Club Site is just 2.4 miles out - make decent bases for exploring the town properly. Toad Abode and Lee Valley Caravan Park are within four miles if those are full. The church works well as a quiet counterpoint to busier attractions in the area.