Christ the King Church

The copper-green dome of Christ the King rises above the Durham skyline like something from a fairytale, visible from miles away across the Wear Valley. Built in the 1930s, it's an art deco church that feels properly ambitious - all soaring arches and carefully planned angles rather than the gothic heaviness you might expect in County Durham.

Inside is where it gets interesting. The pale stone and light streaming through the windows create a peaceful sort of atmosphere, and the altar doesn't overwhelm the space the way you'd fear. It's not enormous, but it doesn't feel cramped either. If you're staying at Woodside Ridge Caravan Park just down the road, it's absolutely worth the short drive into Durham to have a look.

Historically minded visitors will get more out of it than most - the architecture tells the story of 1930s ambition and faith. Kids might find it a bit quiet unless they're into spotting architectural details. Allow 20 to 30 minutes to properly look around without rushing.

The admission situation isn't always clear from outside, so it's worth checking locally when you arrive - churches in the area vary on whether they charge. Either way, it costs nothing to appreciate the exterior and the dome from the surrounding streets. The location within Durham itself means you can easily combine it with walks along the river or a visit to the cathedral while you're in the city. Practical and worth an afternoon.