St Anne's RC Church

The red sandstone facade of St Anne's RC Church stops you dead on the corner of Chapel Lane in Southport. It's Victorian Gothic at its most unapologetic - all pointed arches and ornate stonework, built in 1878 to serve the growing Catholic community in this Lancashire seaside town.

Inside, it's surprisingly light and airy compared to what the heavy exterior suggests. The stained glass windows catch the daylight properly, and the whole space has that peaceful hush you get in older churches - the kind where time moves differently. The craftsmanship in the woodwork and altar fittings reflects real investment, which tells you something about the church's importance to Southport's Victorian Catholics.

It's worth a proper look if you're interested in Victorian religious architecture or just appreciate solid 19th-century craftsmanship. Most people won't spend more than half an hour inside unless you're the type to examine every bit of detail. The setting right in Southport's town centre makes it convenient to combine with a wander around the shops or along the promenade.

If you're staying at Southport Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the road, this is an easy stroll into town anyway. Admission is free, as with most working churches, though opening hours aren't always predictable - you might find it locked on certain weekdays, so best to check locally before making the trip. Go on a clear day when the light comes through those windows properly.