St Mary Magdalene's Church, Gilsland

The church sits quietly in Gilsland, just a short drive south of Haltwhistle, and it's one of those places that rewards a proper look around. St Mary Magdalene's is medieval - we're talking 12th century foundations - with later additions that tell you something about how people kept building and adapting as centuries rolled past. The interior is genuine and unpretentious, the kind of space where you can actually feel the age in the stonework rather than getting distracted by visitor centre signage.

What makes it worth the detour is its connection to Hadrian's Wall. The church sits close enough to the Wall that history types will get a real kick out of standing in a building that's been here since medieval times, looking out at Roman remains just beyond. You can explore at your own pace - there's no entrance fee or ticketing faff - and it won't take more than 20 minutes unless you're the sort who reads every memorial plaque.

Families with older kids who aren't bored by churches will find it manageable. Younger ones might struggle with the quiet contemplation angle, to be honest. It's the kind of stop you bolt onto a Hadrian's Wall walking day rather than a destination in itself. If you're camped at Haltwhistle Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Herding Hill Farm just up the road, you've got no excuse not to spend an afternoon exploring both the church and the Wall sections nearby. Late spring through early autumn gives you the best light and decent weather for poking around the grounds.