Masjid e Sajedeen

The golden dome catches the light long before you reach Blackburn's Masjid e Sajedeen, announcing itself above the terraced streets with undeniable presence. It's an Islamic centre - not a church, despite what the label suggests - and the architecture tells you straight away that this is something different from what you'd normally find in a Lancashire mill town. Inside, the prayer hall is genuinely striking: intricate tilework, a soaring ceiling, and a calm that feels proper removed from the street outside.

You don't need to be Muslim to visit, though it's worth ringing ahead (check the website for current visiting hours - they do vary) and being respectful of prayer times. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome in certain areas, and the staff are generally approachable about explaining the space. Allow 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you want to spend looking around.

For families staying at Northwood Caravan Park just three miles away, or the highly-rated Dale Hey Farm five miles south, this makes a worthwhile cultural detour. It's particularly good for older kids or teenagers interested in architecture and religious history - the craftsmanship alone merits attention. Younger children might find it a bit static, to be honest.

The mosque sits firmly within Blackburn's multicultural identity. Combining a visit here with a walk around the town centre and a look at Blackburn Cathedral gives you a proper sense of how the place has evolved. It's not a theme park attraction, but that's precisely the point.