St John Kemble RC Church

You won't find much fanfare around St John Kemble, but that's rather the point. This modest Roman Catholic church sits quietly in Powys, serving a community that's been Catholic for centuries in what was decidedly Protestant territory. The building itself is straightforward - red brick, Victorian-era construction - with none of the architectural showmanship you'd find in grander parishes.

What matters here is the sense of place. This is a working church with real history, the sort where you might catch a weekday service with a handful of regulars who actually know each other. If you're interested in how minority faiths carved out space in rural Wales, it's genuinely moving. For architecture enthusiasts alone, it won't hold you long - perhaps twenty minutes if you're thorough.

Families with primary school kids might find it quiet enough to explore without stress, though there's nothing laid on for entertainment. History buffs interested in Catholic emancipation and Welsh religious life will get more from a visit than casual tourists.

Based near Port Talbot, it's convenient if you're staying at Four Falls Glamping or Willow Springs Campsite - both excellent spots in the area. Neither is more than a few miles away, making it an easy morning detour rather than a destination in itself. Go if you're genuinely interested in religious heritage and local history. Skip it if you need bells and whistles.