Eastcote Chapel

Standing alone in farmland between Towcester and the M40, this little Norman chapel feels wonderfully forgotten by time. Built around 1100, Eastcote Chapel served the long-vanished village of Eastcote - now just earthworks in the surrounding fields where you can still trace the medieval house plots if you know what to look for.

The building itself is beautifully simple. Norman stonework, a tiny chancel, and that satisfying sense of authenticity you get from places that haven't been over-restored. Inside, fragments of medieval wall paintings peek through the limewash, and the atmosphere is properly contemplative.

History enthusiasts will love piecing together the story of this lost settlement, while the chapel makes a lovely objective for a countryside walk. The surrounding area is perfect for exploring on foot - quiet lanes and public footpaths thread through typical Northamptonshire countryside.

Getting there requires a bit of navigation down narrow lanes, but it's well worth the effort for anyone interested in England's hidden ecclesiastical gems. Allow an hour to explore the chapel and wander the deserted village site. The location works brilliantly as part of a rural break - several holiday parks around Towcester put you within easy reach, including Hamilton Fields near Silverstone and various farm sites that capture the peaceful spirit of this corner of Northamptonshire.