John Keble Church, The Hale

The church sits quietly in The Hale, a village just east of Elstree, looking every bit the Victorian red-brick creation it is. John Keble Church isn't grand - that's rather the point. Built in the 19th century and named after the theologian and poet, it's a straightforward, solid piece of parish heritage that appeals most to architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in how the Church of England expressed itself during that particular era.

Inside you'll find decent stained glass and the sort of peaceful atmosphere you'd expect. The graveyard's worth a wander too if you're into reading old inscriptions. It's not a destination in itself - don't expect to spend more than forty minutes here unless you're the contemplative type or genuinely keen on Victorian ecclesiastical design.

The real value comes if you're based at one of the nearby caravan or glamping parks. Home Farm Glamping and Aldenham Country Park are both within easy reach, making this a decent half-hour detour on a morning walk. It works as a cultural beat in an area that's otherwise fairly suburban. The church is free to visit during daylight hours, though opening times vary, so check locally in Elstree before you head out. If the weather's decent, the walk to get there from any of the holiday parks is more worthwhile than the building itself.