Greenhow Hill St Mary's Church

You'll find this one tucked into the Pennine landscape above Harrogate, surrounded by moorland that feels miles from anywhere despite being barely 10 miles north of the town centre. St Mary's Church at Greenhow Hill is a modest stone structure, but stepping inside catches you off guard - the interior is surprisingly ornate for such a remote spot, with Victorian restoration work that speaks to serious money being spent on this parish church in the 1800s.

The real draw is the walk itself rather than a long afternoon inside. The churchyard offers proper views across the Dales, and locals tend to mention the lead-mining heritage hereabouts - Greenhow was a significant mining area centuries back, which explains why anyone bothered building something this elaborate so far up a hillside. It's not a destination you'd plan a day around, but if you're staying at Howgill Lodge nearby and fancy a decent moorland walk with a church visit tacked on, it works well.

History buffs will appreciate the older parts of the building beneath the Victorian fussing, though you'll need to time a visit when someone's about to actually get inside - opening hours aren't regularly posted, so worth ringing ahead. The walk from the nearest parking areas takes 15-20 minutes, which keeps casual visitors at bay. Families with younger kids might find it a bit of a trek for modest rewards, but serious walkers and those interested in industrial heritage and rural church architecture will find it worthwhile.