St Peter's Catholic Church

The red-brick Victorian church sits quietly on the edge of Northampton, a proper statement of 19th-century Catholic confidence when such buildings were still relatively rare in England. Step inside and the interior is surprisingly grand - soaring nave, decent stained glass, and that particular smell of old stone and furniture polish that every church seems to have.

It's worth a visit if you're already in Northampton exploring the town centre, though you wouldn't drive here specially. The architecture tells you something about the city's industrial past and the communities that built it. History buffs will appreciate the craftsmanship; families with restless kids will find it a decent 20-minute stop, no more.

If you're staying at Grendon Lakes just down the road - a decent enough holiday park for a long weekend - pop into St Peter's on your way to or from town. It breaks up the drive nicely and gives you a flavour of local heritage without eating into your day. Just check opening times beforehand; like many parish churches, it keeps odd hours. Northampton itself has enough shops and cafes to warrant a proper morning out if the weather's decent, so combine this with a walk round the town centre and you've got yourself a pleasant half-day.