St John the Evangelist, Kirk Merrington

The little church sits quietly on the edge of Kirk Merrington, a proper medieval affair that catches you off guard if you're not expecting it. St John the Evangelist isn't flashy - the stonework is worn, the churchyard overgrown in places - but that's rather the point. This is what these places look like when they're genuinely old and genuinely used, not manicured for Instagram.

You'll find solid Norman work alongside later medieval additions, the sort of building that rewards a slow walk around the exterior before you step inside. The interior is straightforward: the kind of space where light falls through narrow windows and you can actually hear yourself think. History types will appreciate the architectural layers; everyone else will just feel the weight of centuries in here.

It's free to visit and takes perhaps twenty minutes unless you're into brass rubbings or want to sit quietly for a bit. There's no car park as such - you park on the lane nearby and accept that you're visiting something minor-league and all the better for it.

From The Gables Pod Camping, Kirk Merrington is about five miles south - a decent cycle ride or short drive that breaks up a park-based weekend well. Durham itself is close enough for a day trip if pod camping feels too detached from civilisation. This church works best as a solo diversion: the sort of stop you make between other things, not somewhere to build an afternoon around.