St John's, Sharow

The walk out to St John's from Ripon takes you along a proper country lane, and when the church suddenly appears beside the River Ure, you'll understand why someone decided to build here centuries ago. It's a small, handsome stone church sitting in its own quiet world - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which feels increasingly rare.

The building itself dates back to the 1820s, designed in that clean, no-nonsense Perpendicular style that works so well in Yorkshire. Inside, it's modest but dignified - there's real beauty in the straightforwardness of it. The river views from the churchyard are genuinely lovely, especially if you catch it on a clear afternoon when the light hits the water properly.

It's worth the fifteen-minute walk from Ripon's town centre if you're after a bit of solitude away from the busier attractions. You won't need more than thirty minutes here unless you're the type to sit by the river for a while, which, honestly, isn't a bad way to spend an afternoon. The church is usually open during daylight hours - admission is free, as it should be.

If you're based at Riverside Meadows just down the road, it's an easy stroll that breaks up a caravan park stay nicely. Families with older children will appreciate the riverside setting and the gentle walk, though younger kids might find it a bit quiet. It works best as part of a wider explore of Ripon's church heritage rather than a standalone destination.