St Peters, Elwick

St Peters sits on the edge of Elwick, a modest village just outside Hartlepool, and it's one of those churches that rewards the effort of finding it. The building itself is genuinely striking - a robust Norman structure with a tower that's been keeping watch over this corner of County Durham for roughly 900 years. Inside, the stonework speaks volumes about what mattered to people centuries ago, and there's a real sense of continuity walking through that door.

It's the sort of place that appeals most to anyone with an interest in Norman architecture or local history. You won't need more than thirty minutes here unless you're someone who likes to sit quietly in old churches for a while, which is fair enough. The churchyard's pleasant enough for a gentle wander if the weather cooperates.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene Holiday Park just a few miles away in Hartlepool, St Peters makes a decent morning outing - close enough not to feel like a detour, far enough from the main tourist drag to feel like you've actually discovered something. It won't set your pulse racing if medieval churches aren't your thing, but for a quiet half-hour away from the holiday park routine, it does the job. Check the website before you go, though - opening hours aren't always clear, and you'll want to know if there's anything specific happening the day you plan to visit.