St. Augustine's Catholic Church

The red sandstone facade of St. Augustine's rises up quite suddenly as you wander through Kenilworth's town centre - nothing remotely understated about it. Built in the Victorian era when the Catholic church was beginning to reassert itself in England after centuries of suppression, the building itself tells that story through every Gothic Revival detail.

Inside, the space is genuinely affecting. High ceilings, proper stained glass, and that particular smell of old stone and furniture polish that takes you straight back. You're looking at a working parish church, not a museum piece, so there's an authenticity to it that many heritage sites lose. The craftsmanship is solid rather than showy - which rather suits the Midlands temperament.

It's worth 20 minutes of your time if you're walking round Kenilworth anyway, especially if you've got an interest in Victorian architecture or the history of Catholicism in England. Families won't get much from it unless the children are old enough to appreciate period stonework. The real draw is for architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in local religious heritage.

You'll want to ring ahead or check locally about opening times, as church hours can be unpredictable. It's free to visit when open. If you're staying at Gate Farm Caravan Club or Somers Wood a few miles out, the town centre is an easy drive, and this makes a decent leg-stretcher combined with exploring Kenilworth's castle and high street. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though not a reason to visit Warwickshire by itself.