Sentry Circle

Sentry Circle is a rather striking Victorian church that sits on the edge of Northallerton, commanding views across the North Yorkshire landscape. The name itself is unusual for a place of worship - it actually refers to the circular arrangement of the building and its position as a kind of sentinel overlooking the town below.

The interior is worth a look if you manage to get in. There's a real sense of Victorian ambition here - solid stonework, decent stained glass, and the sort of architectural detail that suggests this congregation had money and wasn't shy about spending it. It's not dramatically ornate compared to older parish churches, but it has character.

Realistically, this isn't a major draw on its own. History enthusiasts and keen church-spotters will appreciate the architecture and its period, but you're looking at thirty minutes maximum. It works best as a stop-off during a walk around Northallerton itself rather than a destination in its own right.

If you're staying at Hillside Caravan Park just down the road, it's certainly worth popping into town to have a look round. The church is accessible enough - perched above street level - and gives you a feel for Victorian Northallerton beyond the town centre shops. Just don't plan your afternoon around it. Come for the setting, not the spectacle.