St Leonard's Roman Catholic Church

The approach to St Leonard's catches you off guard - a proper Victorian Gothic church rising up in County Durham with all the architectural drama you'd expect from the 1880s. It's a red-brick affair with stone detailing, the sort of building that doesn't whisper about its history but announces it loudly. Inside, the space has that peaceful weight that older churches carry, with decent stained glass and the kind of craftsmanship that reminds you why people bothered building these structures in the first place.

You'll want to allow twenty minutes to have a decent look around, longer if you're into the architectural details. It's the kind of stop that works brilliantly if you're staying at The Barn at Easington - only 5.7 miles away - and fancy a quiet hour away from holiday park life. History enthusiasts will get the most from it, though anyone after a bit of respite from the coast road will find it worthwhile.

Peterlee's your nearest town, so you can combine this with a wander around the surrounding area without too much faffing about. The church sits in a working parish setting, so it's genuinely lived-in rather than feeling like a museum piece. Whether you're a devout visitor or just appreciate solid Victorian architecture, it's well worth the short detour. Free to enter, naturally - though do check opening hours before you make the journey.