All Saints' Church

The church sits right in Bideford's heart, a proper medieval structure that's been doing its job for centuries. All Saints' is one of those places that rewards a quiet wander - the interior has genuine character, with old wooden beams and a sense of actual history rather than the polished-up heritage experience you get elsewhere. The setting overlooking the town gives you a feel for how Bideford must have developed around this focal point.

It's free to pop in, and you won't need more than thirty minutes unless you're the type to read every plaque and prayer board. The church works well as part of a Bideford morning rather than a destination in itself - combine it with a walk down to the quay and the High Street, and you've got a proper morning sorted.

Families with older kids will get more out of it than little ones, to be honest. History buffs and church enthusiasts are the real audience here. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Roeys Retreat is barely over a mile away, or Ladram Bay if you want something more substantial - it's worth knowing it's there for a rainy afternoon or a quiet moment between beach days.

Check ahead for opening times before you visit, as these things vary. The Devon coast holiday circuit means you'll likely pass through Bideford anyway, so treat All Saints' as a nice cultural parenthesis rather than something to plan around.