Saint Mary

Standing in the shadow of what remains, you're looking at the skeletal fragments of a medieval parish church that once served the small community around Peterstone. Saint Mary's ruins tell the story of rural Norfolk's shifting fortunes - abandoned when populations dwindled and parishioners moved elsewhere.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to ponder among the crumbling walls and overgrown foundations. The stonework speaks to different building periods, and you can still make out where the chancel met the nave. It's properly atmospheric on a grey Norfolk morning.

Families might struggle to hold young attention spans here for more than twenty minutes - there's not much left standing to climb on or explore safely. Walkers incorporating it into a longer countryside ramble will get more from it than those making a special trip.

Access appears to be free, though the Norfolk Heritage website doesn't specify opening arrangements. Best to check locally if you're planning a visit, as some historic sites have restricted access.

For those staying at nearby parks like Waxham Sands Holiday Park or The Norfolk Brickyard, it makes a decent short detour if you're already exploring the area's quieter corners. Just don't expect cathedral-scale drama - this is Norfolk's gentler, more melancholic side of heritage.