St Mary the Virgin Church, Slaley

Walk through Slaley and you'll find yourself facing a church that's been standing here since medieval times, though what you see now is largely Victorian restoration work. St Mary the Virgin sits with real presence in this small Durham village, a solid stone structure that tells the story of centuries of worship in one quiet corner of the North East.

Inside, there's proper church architecture - the kind of place where you get a genuine sense of continuity. If you're into local history or ecclesiastical detail, the church rewards a proper look. For families, it's a short diversion rather than a destination in itself; kids won't spend more than twenty minutes here unless they're seriously into medieval stonework.

Access is straightforward enough - Hexham's just a few miles away if you need a bigger town for supplies or lunch. The church sits well within a broader ramble around this part of Durham, especially if you're based at Springhouse Boutique Holiday Park or Village Green Holiday Park nearby. Both are close enough that you could easily weave this into a walking day without planning anything elaborate.

It's free to visit (as most village churches are), though opening hours aren't always predictable with smaller parishes. Your best bet is trying the door when you're passing through - many do open during daylight hours. Realistically, allow thirty minutes if you're keen on the architecture, less if you're just curious. Worth a look if you're walking the area, but don't make it your sole reason for visiting this part of the region.