Springfield Park Baptist Church

The Baptist Church on Springfield stands as a solid Victorian-era statement in Chelmsford's architectural landscape, all red brick and purposeful design rather than the soaring Gothic you might expect elsewhere. It's the sort of place that rewards a proper look inside if you can catch it open - the interior has that warm, settled feeling of a working community church that's been hosting weddings and services for generations.

This isn't a tourist draw in the traditional sense. You won't spend hours here. But if you're interested in Essex's religious heritage or just appreciate Victorian nonconformist architecture, it's worth a detour while exploring Chelmsford town centre. The neighbourhood itself tells you something about how the town developed in the 1800s, with the church anchoring what would have been a respectable residential area.

For anyone staying at nearby Hoe Mill Lock, it's barely five miles away - a straightforward drive or taxi ride into town if you fancy a bit of local history mixed with proper shopping and decent restaurants. Combine it with Chelmsford Cathedral or the town's museums if you're making a day of exploring the area's built heritage. Opening hours aren't guaranteed, so it's worth ringing ahead before you make the trip. Free entry when open, naturally enough.