Church of St Mary, Lowe House.

The Church of St Mary at Lowe House sits tucked away in the Lancashire countryside, a quiet spot that most visitors racing between Skelmersdale and the motorway would miss entirely. It's a working parish church with real character - the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which feels increasingly rare these days.

What makes it worth a detour is the building itself. The architecture tells the story of centuries of local life, and if you catch someone about, they're usually pleased to chat through the details rather than give you the sort of hurried tour you get at the bigger attractions. There's no gimmickry here - just a genuine place of worship that's been serving the community for generations.

Historically minded visitors will find it genuinely interesting, though you won't spend more than 45 minutes here unless you're really into the finer points of ecclesiastical design. Families with young children might find it a bit static, though older kids who appreciate quiet spaces will be fine.

If you're staying at The Secret Garden Glamping a few miles away, it's easily combined with a ramble through the surrounding countryside. The real value isn't in the church alone - it's in using it as an anchor for exploring the quieter side of Lancashire, away from the more trodden tourist paths. Go on a weekday morning if you want the place to yourself.