St Mungo

The church sits quietly on a hillside just outside Hexham, a small stone structure that's been standing since medieval times. St Mungo isn't flashy - there's no gift shop, no visitor centre, no crowds - just a functioning parish church with proper character and some genuinely old bits inside.

What draws people here is partly the walk to reach it and partly the fact that it feels genuinely used rather than preserved. You'll find medieval stonework, a couple of interesting graves, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you understand why people built churches in these particular spots. The views across the Tyne Valley aren't bad either.

Historically minded walkers will appreciate the journey more than casual tourists. It's not a half-hour photo stop - you're committing to the walk up from Hexham and back, which takes the best part of a couple of hours depending on fitness. Families with younger kids might find the appeal limited unless they're already keen on old buildings.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Sycamore Glamping Pods or Stonehaugh Campsite are both within five miles - this makes an excellent half-day walk. Combine it with a wander round Hexham itself, which has Abbey ruins and decent shops. St Mungo works best as part of the wider local exploration rather than a destination in itself. Go if you like quiet corners and don't mind the legwork. Skip it if you need interpretation boards and café facilities.