Saint Silas' Church

The solid stone walls of Saint Silas' Church stand a couple of miles outside Blackburn, a proper working parish church that doesn't make a fuss about itself. Inside, you'll find the kind of understated Lancashire charm that appeals to architecture buffs and local history types - stone pillars, decent stained glass, and the accumulated weight of centuries doing what churches do best: existing quietly in the landscape.

It's not a showstopper like some of the grander Lancashire churches, and it won't keep you occupied for hours. Plan on thirty to forty minutes if you're genuinely interested in the interior; twenty if you're just popping in on a drive through. The real draw is combining it with a proper walk around the area - the surrounding moorland and country lanes are far more compelling than the building itself.

This works well as a gentle half-day circuit from Northwood Caravan & Holiday Park or Dale Hey Farm Touring Caravan Site if you're based in the Ribble Valley for a week. Pair it with a longer ramble and a pub lunch back in Blackburn and you've got a solid day out. Don't go expecting much fanfare or visitor facilities - that's rather the point. It's the sort of place that rewards curiosity rather than demands it.