St Austell Methodist Cathedral

The Methodist Cathedral in St Austell is one of those proper Victorian statements of faith - all soaring ceilings and ornate woodwork that you don't see built anymore. It's substantial without being overwhelming, the kind of place where you can actually feel the craftsmanship that went into it rather than getting lost in scale.

You're looking at a working church, so expect a calm, contemplative space rather than a museum-style tour. The interior has real character - good stained glass, decent acoustics if there's a service on. It's the sort of building that rewards spending twenty minutes or so just sitting and looking around, letting your eyes adjust to the light.

Worth a visit if you're into Victorian architecture or local history, though it's not a destination in itself. St Austell itself is a working clay-mining town, which gives it a grittier feel than some of Cornwall's tourist-heavy spots. If you're staying at The Meadows Campsite or Pentewan Sands Holiday Park - both excellent for families - it's an easy stop while you're in town. The cathedral sits right in the centre, so there's no faffing about.

Call ahead or check locally for service times if you want to experience it properly. Free entry, obviously. Give yourself half an hour, forty minutes maximum. It's not rambling-round-for-hours territory, but it's genuinely worth the detour if you're basing yourselves in the area and fancy something that's not beaches or theme parks.