St James Parish Church

The church sits right in Elland town centre, solid and unpretentious in the way Yorkshire buildings tend to be. St James Parish Church is one of those places that rewards a proper look if you're passing through, rather than a destination in itself. The main draw is the interior - there's proper medieval stonework here, though it's been rebuilt and restored more than once over the centuries. You'll spot some decent stained glass and the kind of quiet that only a working parish church offers on a weekday afternoon.

It's really for people who like churches full stop. History buffs will appreciate the layers of architecture and the fact it's been a focal point in Elland for centuries. If you're with kids expecting drama, they'll be bored within five minutes, though the churchyard is pleasant for a wander if the weather's decent. The real value is if you're based at Whitegate Leisure just down the road - it's a ten-minute drive - and fancy stretching your legs somewhere with a bit of local character. You won't need more than thirty minutes here.

No entry fee that we can find, and it's open during reasonable hours if you catch it unlocked. The stone exterior is typical West Yorkshire - grey, weathered, no-nonsense. On a grey day it blends into the landscape. On a rare sunny afternoon, though, the light catches the windows nicely. Worth a stop if you're exploring Elland properly, less so if you're just passing through.