Newlands Church

You'll find Newlands Church tucked away in the valley south of Keswick, surrounded by the kind of fell scenery that makes you understand why people walk for hours around here. It's a modest stone church - the sort that feels properly ancient without being showy about it. The building itself is the draw, really: simple, working, the kind of place where walkers pop in to get out of the drizzle rather than somewhere you've traveled specifically to see.

Historically minded visitors will get the most out of a visit, though honestly, the setting matters more than the building. The churchyard offers decent views across the valley, and it's a natural stop if you're hiking through Newlands Pass or tackling the fells around here. Allow twenty minutes if you're passing through; an hour if you want to sit about and admire the landscape.

The real value is in location. From Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club or Castlerigg Hall just three or four miles away, you can easily weave the church into a walking day rather than make it your sole destination. Free to visit, no set hours as far as I can tell - you just turn up. Best to go when the weather's decent enough to enjoy the views, though even on a grey day there's something rather lovely about a quiet valley church with nothing but sheep for company.

It's not a must-do, but if you're camping locally and fancy a gentle walk with a bit of history thrown in, it works well enough. Don't go out of your way specially.