St Francis of Assisi Church

The church itself is Victorian - built in 1903 - with that solid red-brick confidence you see dotted across Hertfordshire. St Francis of Assisi sits a fair walk east of Welwyn Garden City's town centre, which means you'll actually have to make an effort to find it rather than stumble upon it by accident.

Inside, the styling is unapologetically Catholic, all candlelight and devotional bits. The stained glass does the heavy lifting here - it's the kind of light that stops you in your tracks when you walk in, particularly late afternoon. If you're the sort who appreciates how Edwardian churches were designed to make you feel small and contemplative, you'll get something from this.

Really though, this works best as part of a broader potter around the area rather than a destination in itself. Come here on foot from Welwyn - the walk through town is fine, or by car if you're staying at Hertford Camping and Caravanning Club Site just up the road. The grounds are modest, so allow twenty minutes inside, less if you're just passing.

History enthusiasts will find it solid but unremarkable. The devoted will find their peace here. If you're expecting architectural flourishes or significant artworks, you might feel a bit shortchanged. That said, there's something rather lovely about a quiet church that isn't trying too hard - it's just there, doing what it's meant to do.