Lakeside Church

The water's the thing here - Lakeside Church sits right on the edge of a proper body of water, which is unusual for a place of worship. It's a peaceful spot, the kind where you actually feel the quiet rather than just hearing it. The church itself is modest, nothing like the vast cathedrals you find inland, but that simplicity works in its favour.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's a natural stopping point if you're doing circuits round the lake, and the setting makes it worth a proper look rather than a quick dash past. Photography types will appreciate the reflections on calm days - light hits the water differently depending on the time of day. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks near Southport - Riverside Holiday Park is about four miles away - this makes an easy afternoon outing. Most people allow 30 to 45 minutes here, enough to walk the immediate area and take in the surroundings without feeling rushed.

It's not a major draw in itself, to be honest. Kids might find it a bit dull unless they're the type who enjoy spotting waterfowl or skipping stones. But as part of a broader walk round Southport's green spaces, or as a quiet break from the seaside town itself, it's worth the detour. You'll see families and local walkers using it regularly, which says something. Check opening hours locally - these smaller rural churches can be temperamental about visitor times.