St Anthony of Padua RC Church, Edgware

The brick facade of St Anthony of Padua isn't going to stop you in your tracks from the street, but step inside and you're in proper Catholic territory - all soaring arches, stained glass, and that particular smell of incense that either transports you or doesn't, depending on your outlook. It's a 20th-century church serving the Edgware and Elstree area, unremarkable architecturally but genuine in its purpose.

This is one for people who actually want to visit a working parish church rather than gawk at medieval stonework. If you're staying at one of the local parks - Elstree Park is barely 2.5 miles away - and you're Catholic or simply interested in how modern British churches operate, it's worth the short drive. You won't need more than half an hour unless you're the contemplative type who settles in for a proper sit-down.

The real draw for holiday visitors would be combining it with Aldenham Country Park, three miles south, which gives you actual things to do - walking trails, fishing, the works. St Anthony's works as a quiet stop, somewhere to pause rather than a destination in itself. Opening hours and admission details aren't readily available online, so your best bet is ringing ahead or just turning up during standard service times. It's the sort of place that rewards curiosity but won't ruin your day if it's locked when you arrive.