Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel

The Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel sits quietly on the edge of Leicester, a Victorian Catholic church that catches most visitors off guard with its sheer scale and ambition. Built in the 1890s, it's a proper statement - red brick and stone, with a tall spire that dominates the skyline around it. Walk inside and you'll find yourself in a spacious, light-filled interior that feels a world away from the busier parts of the city.

What makes it worth a detour is the architectural detail. The interior has genuine character - original tilework, decent stained glass, and a sense of Victorian Catholic pride that doesn't feel overdone. It's genuinely quiet too, which is rare in urban areas. Families with older kids will appreciate it more than very small ones; there's nothing interactive, but the building itself tells a story if you're willing to look.

Allow 20-30 minutes for a proper wander. Opening times aren't widely advertised, so check before you visit - these churches sometimes close midweek. Free admission, naturally.

If you're staying at Meadow Farm Marina or Reas Glamping Retreat at Zillahs Spinney nearby, this makes an easy morning or afternoon trip into the city. It's not a reason to plan a holiday around, but paired with Leicester's museums and market, it slots in perfectly. You'll find it doesn't require much effort to reach, and you won't fight crowds like you would at flashier attractions.