Windy Nook Methodist Church

The chapel sits on a hillside near Stanley, a proper Victorian-era place of worship that's caught the eye of industrial heritage fans and architecture enthusiasts. Windy Nook Methodist Church is straightforward and honest - red brick, simple lines, built when methodism mattered to mining communities in this part of Tyne and Wear. You'll spend twenty minutes looking round if you're keen, less if you're just passing.

It's the sort of spot that works best for people interested in how ordinary folk worshipped during the Industrial Revolution rather than those after a dramatic photo opportunity. The building itself tells you more about 19th century life than any placard could. Not flashy, no gift shop, no crowds - just a working chapel with genuine character.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Beamish Holiday Park is four miles off, or the five-star Beamish Glamping if you're after a bit more comfort - this slots in nicely with a visit to Beamish Museum itself, which is close by and far more substantial. The two work well together as a half-day outing exploring what industrial Tyne and Wear actually looked like.

Access details are thin on the ground, so ring ahead or check if there's a service on. Worth a detour if you're genuinely interested in Methodist heritage and Victorian working-class life. Skip it if you're after something more obviously spectacular.