St Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church

The red-brick Victorian church sits quietly just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, a proper working Catholic parish rather than a tourist showpiece. Built in the 19th century, St Gregory the Great has that solid, unshowy charm you find in many English Catholic churches from this period - the sort of place where locals actually pray rather than snap photos.

Inside, the decoration is restrained but thoughtful. There's stained glass, a decent altar, and the usual ecclesiastical fixtures, but nothing that will keep you rooted to the spot for hours. It's worth a 20-minute visit if you're interested in Victorian religious architecture or keen on seeing how the Catholic community worshipped during a time when being openly Catholic in England still carried a whiff of controversy.

Families won't find much to occupy children here, and serious history buffs might find it less compelling than Stratford's medieval parishes. But if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Rayford, Stratford Parks, or The Apple Farm Glamping just up the road - it makes for a gentle walk into town without the Shakespeare crowds.

Free to visit, obviously. Go on a weekday morning if you want to find it actually open. The churchyard is pleasant enough, though not exceptional. Pair it with a proper wander around Stratford's town centre rather than making it a destination in itself.