St Thomas Orthodox Church Papworth Everard

The Orthodox church at Papworth Everard is a proper oddity in the Cambridgeshire flatlands - a small, distinctive building that catches you off guard if you're not expecting it. It's east of Huntingdon, tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere, which is partly why it works so well. The church itself is modest in scale but unmistakable once you spot it, with Orthodox architecture that stands out against the rural surroundings like a colourful egg in a box of beige ones.

What you're looking at is a working place of worship, so approach it with respect. The interior - if you can access it - reflects Orthodox tradition in ways most British churches simply don't. This is somewhere for people genuinely interested in religious architecture and the history of Orthodox communities in England, rather than casual church-spotters doing the rounds. It's the sort of place that makes you curious about why it's here at all, which is worth investigating before you visit.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks within striking distance - Crystal Lakes, Quiet Waters, or Huntingdon Boathaven are all within six miles - it's a reasonable detour on a quiet afternoon. Don't expect it to eat up hours of your time; it's more of a ten-minute stop unless you're really keen on the history. Ring ahead if you can to check opening times, as smaller religious buildings don't always keep regular hours. The surrounding countryside is flat and unremarkable, but that's part of its charm.