Church of St Mary the Virgin

The Church of St Mary the Virgin sits quietly on the outskirts of Norwich, a proper Norfolk parish church that catches people off guard with how much character it's got. It's not the sort of place you'd travel hours for, but if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Manor Caravan Park is practically on the doorstep - it's absolutely worth an afternoon wander.

What you're looking at is a medieval church with the sort of details that make local history types lose their minds: original stonework, decent stained glass, and the kind of peaceful churchyard where you can actually hear yourself think. The interior's got that real sense of age without feeling neglected. Allow an hour to have a proper look round and sit for a bit.

It works best for families wanting something low-key that won't cause tantrums - kids can run about the churchyard while adults examine the architecture. History buffs will appreciate the medieval features, though this isn't a showstopper like some of Norfolk's grander churches.

The location makes it sensible as a break during a caravan holiday in the area. If you're based at Tonnage Bridge, Dilham Hall Retreats, or any of the other parks within the 3-6 mile radius, this slots easily into a morning's exploring before heading into Norwich proper for lunch. It's free to visit, no faffing about with opening hours to check - just turn up. Honestly, for a quick cultural pit-stop between park time and the beach, it does the job.