Hurn Chapel

Standing in a field just outside Christchurch, this tiny Norman chapel feels wonderfully forgotten by the modern world. Hurn Chapel is properly old - we're talking 12th century stonework that's weathered countless Dorset winters yet still stands solid as the day it was built.

What strikes you first is just how small it is. This isn't your grand parish church with soaring spires, but rather an intimate single-room building that could fit maybe thirty people at a push. The original Norman arches are still there, along with some lovely medieval wall paintings that somehow survived the Reformation. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Saxon foundations visible at the base.

It's essentially a pilgrimage for church architecture lovers rather than a family day out. Children might find it interesting for all of ten minutes, though the peaceful setting could work well for a picnic afterwards. The chapel sits in open countryside, so you'll need to walk across a field to reach it - proper walking shoes recommended.

Access appears to be free, though opening times seem variable so it's worth checking locally before making the trip. From the Shorefield holiday parks around the New Forest edge - Oakdene Forest Park and Forest Edge are both within easy reach - it makes a worthwhile detour for anyone interested in England's medieval past. Allow about an hour including the walk and a good look around.