Parish Church of Saint Margaret

The Parish Church of Saint Margaret sits quietly on the outskirts of Exeter, the sort of place you'd stumble upon while wandering the quieter lanes rather than somewhere you'd plan a day around. It's a proper medieval church - solid, unshowy, the kind of building that's been absorbing centuries of Devon weather without making a fuss about it.

Inside, you get the usual church experience: stone flags underfoot, high ceilings, and that particular smell of old wood and dust that either appeals to you or doesn't. The real interest here lies in the details if you're into ecclesiastical history - carved details on pews, memorials that tell stories of local families long gone. It's quiet, which is either a massive selling point or utterly boring depending on your temperament.

This works best if you're already in Exeter exploring the cathedral and city centre - a gentle detour rather than a standalone trip. Kids will tolerate it for ten minutes, maybe fifteen if they're unusually well-behaved. Serious church enthusiasts and local history types will find enough to occupy them properly.

Being just outside Exeter means you're well-positioned for the nearby holiday parks - Castle Brake is closest at under four miles, while Cofton Holidays and the Dawlish Sands parks are all within easy reach if you're basing yourself in the area. It's the sort of stop you make on a circular walk or between other attractions, not a destination in itself. Free to enter, no faffing about with opening hours beyond the obvious. Allow half an hour maximum.