Gracehill Moravian Church

The whitewashed walls of Gracehill Moravian Church stand out against the rolling countryside between Ballymena and the rest of Mid and East Antrim. Built in the 18th century, this is one of Northern Ireland's most striking religious buildings - austere, precise, properly atmospheric.

What you're looking at is a snapshot of Moravian faith and practice. The church itself is simple and dignified inside, with original galleries and furnishings that haven't been mucked about with. The graveyard tells the real story though - Moravian tradition dictated that all graves lie east-west regardless of rank, so you'll find headstones arranged with an unusual equality that's rather moving.

This appeals most to history enthusiasts and anyone curious about religious communities beyond the mainstream. The setting is genuinely lovely, and the walk around the grounds takes twenty minutes or so. It's not a full afternoon's work, but as a stop while exploring the area it's well worth pulling over.

Access is generally possible for visitors, though it's worth checking locally in Ballymena first about opening times. If you're staying at Sunset Glamping nearby, you could easily slip over here in the late afternoon light - the photographs are cracking at golden hour, and there's something about small churches when the sun's low that just works.

The real appeal? It's properly off the tourist trail, which means you might get it entirely to yourself.