Wellington Presbyterian Church

The moment you push open the heavy wooden doors of Wellington Presbyterian Church in Ballymena, you're stepping into proper Victorian earnestness. Built in 1853, it's all high ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and that particular smell of old hymn books and furniture polish that takes you straight back. The interior is surprisingly ornate for a Presbyterian building - all those gilt details and stained glass suggest the congregation had some money behind them.

You'll want to allow twenty minutes to half an hour here, wandering the aisles and taking in the carved pulpit and galleries. It's the sort of place that appeals most to architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in how Victorian Ballymena saw itself - less so if you're after somewhere that'll engage restless kids for long. The churchyard itself is worth a look too, with graves that tell the story of the town's Protestant merchant class.

Admission details aren't straightforward - you may need to ring ahead or catch it during services, which rather limits casual visits. That said, if you're based at Sunset Glamping five miles out and fancy a gentle wander into Ballymena's town centre, it's worth combining with the shops and cafes rather than making a special trip just for the church. It rewards an unhurried afternoon rather than a quick photo stop.