Our Lady & St Thomas of Canterbury

The Catholic church in Harrow - that's Our Lady & St Thomas of Canterbury to give it its full name - sits quietly off the main roads east of Borehamwood. It's a proper working parish church, not some museum piece, which means you're looking at genuine worship space rather than a tourist attraction dressed up for visitors.

The building itself is worth a look if you're into ecclesiastical architecture. Victorian Catholic churches have their own distinct character - solid, confident, built when the church was flexing its muscles after centuries of suppression in England. Inside, there's good stained glass work and the usual ornamental details you'd expect from that era. It's the kind of place that rewards an unhurried wander rather than a rushed visit.

This works best for people with a genuine interest in religious architecture or local history. Families with restless kids will find it quiet but brief - probably twenty minutes maximum unless you're really studying the details. There's no visitor centre, gift shop, or any of the modern trappings, which is either refreshing or frustrating depending on your expectations.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Aldenham Country Park is just over five miles away - this makes a decent morning stop combined with a proper walk around the local area. Check ahead on opening times before you visit, as it's a functioning church with services and closures. Admission is free, naturally. Worth the detour if you're interested in Catholic heritage in the home counties, but don't plan your holiday around it.