Ruins of Old Church of St Mary Magdalene

What's left of St Mary Magdalene near Chenies is basically a pile of flint and stone - medieval foundations and a few wall sections that hint at something grander. You won't find manicured lawns or interpretive boards here; this is proper fieldside archaeology, the sort of thing you stumble across while walking the Chilterns rather than plan a dedicated trip around.

The church dates back centuries but fell into disuse, leaving only traces visible from the footpath. It's the kind of spot that appeals to history buffs and local walkers more than casual visitors - you need to know why you're looking at rubble before the rubble becomes interesting. Kids will likely get bored within five minutes.

Rickmansworth sits just over a mile away, so if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - North Hill Farm is closest at 1.6 miles - this makes a pleasant detour on a country walk rather than a destination in itself. Allow ten minutes to have a look around, longer if you're the sort who reads up on medieval parish churches before visiting. There's no visitor infrastructure, so bring nothing but curiosity.

Worth the walk if you're already in the area exploring the Chilterns. Skip it if you're planning a dedicated morning out. The landscape around it - rolling Buckinghamshire farmland - is actually the main draw. Free to visit, naturally.