Axbridge, St John the Baptist Church

The church sits at the heart of Axbridge's high street, a handsome medieval building that catches you properly off guard the moment you walk past. St John the Baptist has that solid, no-nonsense Somerset stone look - the sort of place that's been doing its job for 600 years without fussing about it. The tower's the real draw, all sturdy and commanding over the market square, and if you're lucky enough to get inside, the interior rewards a quiet wander. Carved roof timbers, decent stained glass, the usual ecclesiastical furniture done well rather than grandly.

This one works best for architecture enthusiasts and anyone keen on proper medieval craftsmanship. It's free to visit when they've got the doors open - which is most daylight hours, though it's worth checking locally. Allow 20 minutes to half an hour if you're actually paying attention; five if you're just stepping in to escape the rain.

Axbridge itself is a proper little market town with genuine character, just a mile or so from Cheddar, so it slots nicely into a wider Mendip exploration. You could easily combine a church visit with a walk around the village's Georgian townhouses and a pint at one of the local pubs. If you're camping at Cheddar Woods Resort, Cheddar Caravan and Motorhome Club, or any of the other spots dotted round Cheddar, Axbridge makes for an easy afternoon detour. Park the car by the square and spend an hour getting a feel for the place. It won't blow your mind, but it's genuine Somerset worth.