St. James Church

St. James Church sits in Fordhouses, just outside Stafford, and it's one of those local churches that rewards a quiet visit if you're passing through the area. The building itself is Victorian - solid, unpretentious, and worth a look inside if the door's open. You'll find decent stained glass and the sort of peaceful interior that makes you slow down for twenty minutes.

It's not a major draw on its own, if I'm honest. You're not going to plan a day around it. But if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Springfields Countryside or Pillaton Hall Farm are both close by - and you fancy a gentle walk to a local church, this does the job. Families with older kids who don't mind a bit of architecture might get something from it; younger children will find it dull within minutes.

The real value is as a break point during a broader exploration of Stafford's churches and town centre. Head into town proper and you'll find St. Mary's - a far more impressive medieval affair - but St. James serves the quieter, more local end of things. It's free to visit, though opening times aren't guaranteed, so check ahead or just try your luck. Allow thirty minutes maximum unless you're really into Victorian ecclesiastical detail. Worth a detour if you're within five minutes, but not worth driving out specially.