Saint Martin's Church

Saint Martin's Church sits quietly in Devon, a proper slice of ecclesiastical history that rewards a quick visit if you're camping nearby. The building itself is the main draw - solid medieval stonework with the sort of details that make church enthusiasts genuinely happy: carved roof bosses, old font, the kind of worn flagstones that tell you centuries of people have walked this same path.

It's free to wander in, and you won't need more than twenty minutes unless you're really into reading every brass plaque. The real appeal comes if you're staying at one of the holiday parks close by - Parkdean Resorts Torquay is just half a mile away, which makes this an easy leg-stretch for families. Hoburne Devon Bay and Waterside Holiday Park are also within reasonable driving distance.

This works best for anyone with a genuine interest in Devon's church architecture rather than kids looking for activity. If you're touring the area and find yourself in the vicinity, it's worth the diversion. If you're planning your week around attractions, though, you'll want to couple it with other sights in the region - it's not a full afternoon on its own.

Go on a clear day if you can. The churchyard's pleasant enough, and light streaming through the windows actually makes a difference to what you can see inside. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than weekends, though opening times can be temperamental with older churches.