Rainford United Reformed Church

The graveyard at Rainford United Reformed Church is where you'll find proper old Lancashire graves, some dating back centuries. The church itself is a modest Victorian chapel - nothing flashy, but it's got that solid, no-nonsense feel you get from Nonconformist buildings of that era.

This is more for the local history types than casual visitors. If your family tree has roots in Skelmersdale or the surrounding area, there's a genuine chance you'll find ancestors here. The churchyard is accessible and peaceful - good for a quiet wander if you're into gravestone rubbings or just getting a sense of how long communities have been planted in this bit of Lancashire.

There's no grand architecture to write home about and it won't occupy you for long, but that's not the point. It's the sort of place that matters if it matters to you personally. Worth a detour if you're researching family history or interested in local heritage, less so if you're just after a scenic stop.

Skelmersdale itself is close by, and if you're staying at The Secret Garden Glamping nearby, this makes for a peaceful half-hour break between other activities. Check ahead on opening times - it's not a major attraction with dedicated visiting hours, so ringing ahead or turning up during daylight is sensible.