Ilfracombe Baptist Church

The Baptist Church in Ilfracombe sits quietly on the high street, a Victorian building that catches you off guard with its sheer solidity among the seafront tourist shops. It's not the sort of place you'd stumble into by accident - you have to mean to visit it. The interior is properly traditional: wooden pews, high ceilings, stained glass that lets in proper light rather than the theatrical kind. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Hele Valley is just over the hill, Watermouth Valley a short drive away - it's worth an hour's poking about.

The appeal here is straightforward. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the period detail and craftsmanship. Families won't find it thrilling for long - ten minutes, maybe fifteen if the kids are interested in the stained glass. But if you're the sort who likes getting a proper sense of a town's character, visiting its places of worship tells you things the seafront arcades never will.

Check the website or ring ahead before visiting, as opening times aren't always obvious for smaller churches. Admission should be free, though it's worth dropping a donation in the box if you do go in. It's a five-minute walk from Ilfracombe town centre itself, so easily combined with a stroll round the harbour or a visit to the beaches nearby. Not essential, but if the weather turns rough and you're camping at Sandaway Beach or one of the other local parks, it's a solid way to spend an hour.