Aylsham Parish Church

The church sits at the heart of Aylsham, a proper Norfolk market town about twelve miles northeast of Norwich. St Michael's is the sort of place that rewards a quiet wander - fifteenth-century Perpendicular Gothic with a tower that's been watching over the town for centuries. Inside, the light floods through tall windows and catches on the wooden roof timbers, which is where the real craft reveals itself. You'll spot some decent medieval stonework and the sort of carved details that suggest someone cared deeply about their work, even if time and weather have worn it all smooth.

It's not a spectacle that'll keep you occupied for hours, but it's absolutely worth stopping if you're exploring Aylsham itself. History types and architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate - the scale and proportions tell you something about the town's medieval importance as a weaving centre. A quick visit takes twenty minutes; if you're the sort who reads every stone carving, give yourself forty.

Unlike the larger Norfolk churches, you're unlikely to find organized tours or a constant stream of visitors. Check locally when you arrive as opening times aren't always predictable. If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Top Farm Campsite is closest at under two miles away, or Deer's Mead if you prefer something slightly larger - Aylsham makes for an easy afternoon detour. The town itself has a good market square and some decent pubs, so you could combine a church visit with lunch without any faffing about.