Egloshayle St Petroc's Church

The churchyard at Egloshayle sits quietly above the Camel estuary, the sort of place where you'll hear nothing but rooks and the distant murmur of the river. St Petroc's is a proper medieval church - 15th century mostly - with that particular Cornish granite solidity that makes you feel like it'll outlast us all.

Inside, there's some decent medieval stonework and the usual church fixtures, but it's the location that wins here. The graveyard slopes down toward the water, and on a clear day the views across the estuary are excellent. Worth the wander if you're already in the Padstow area, which you likely will be if you're staying at Padstow Holiday Village or Porthilly Beach Holiday Park nearby.

This isn't a major draw - don't make a special trip. But if you're based locally, combine it with a walk along the coastal paths or down to Dennis Cove. The church itself takes twenty minutes inside, another thirty if you potter about the yard. It's free to visit, and there's a calm, unhurried feel to the place that suits a quiet morning.

History types will appreciate the medieval fabric, families with restless kids might find it a bit thin unless they're into old graveyards. The real reason to come is the estuary views and the fact that St Minver Holiday Park is practically on the doorstep - perfect for adding a cultural beat to an otherwise beach-focused week in North Cornwall.