Aldbury Church, St John the Baptist

Walk into Aldbury and you'll spot St John the Baptist sitting quietly at the heart of the village, a proper medieval parish church that's been watching over the Chilterns since the 14th century. The building itself is brick and flint, solid rather than showy, with a tower that gives the whole place a certain dignified weight. Inside, there's decent medieval tilework, some original stained glass that's survived the centuries better than you'd expect, and the kind of peaceful silence you only find in old churches on weekday afternoons.

It's the sort of stop that rewards a slow wander rather than a rushed tick-box visit. History buffs will appreciate the medieval bones of the place, and if you're interested in how village life actually functioned centuries ago, the church tells that story through its architecture and fittings. Families with older kids might find it interesting if they're into that sort of thing, but it's not the kind of place that'll keep under-tens entertained for long.

Admission appears to be free - these village churches usually are - though you might want to drop something in the box. Allow half an hour, maybe longer if you're reading every plaque. Berkhamsted's just down the road, so you could easily combine it with exploring the high street or Berkhamsted Castle. Staying at one of the nearby campsites like Norcott or Highridge Farm puts you in proper walking country, and St John the Baptist works well as a morning detour before you head into the Chiltern Hills proper.