Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour & St Thomas Of Canterbury R C Church

The red brick Victorian church on the edge of Bishop Auckland has been welcoming worshippers since the 1870s, and even if you're not here for a service, it's worth a quick look for the architecture alone. The interior is all soaring arches and stained glass - properly done, none of that modern minimalist stuff. You'll spot the dedication to two saints in the name itself, which tells you something about the community that built this place.

This is really one for those interested in Victorian ecclesiastical design rather than a standalone day out. The craftsmanship in the stonework and the windows rewards a close look, especially if you've got an eye for 19th-century church building. It won't take more than thirty minutes to have a proper nose around.

Bishop Auckland itself is worth an hour or two - Auckland Castle nearby is the main draw - so you could easily fold a visit here into a wider afternoon exploring the town. If you're staying at Bradley Burn Caravan Park, just five miles south, this makes a straightforward detour on the way through. Ring ahead if you want to visit outside service times, mind you - most churches have restrictions. Free to enter when open, naturally.