St Andrew's Church

Standing on a hill overlooking Weymouth Bay, this Norman church has been watching over the town for nearly a thousand years. The original stonework dates back to the 12th century, though Victorian restorers had a proper go at it in the 1800s. What strikes you first is the view - you can see right across to Portland Bill on a clear day.

Inside, the atmosphere is properly peaceful. Medieval wall paintings peek through centuries of whitewash, and there's a lovely carved font that's older than most of the buildings in Weymouth itself. History buffs will appreciate the Norman doorway and the chance to spot architectural details spanning eight centuries.

Families might find it a bit dry for younger children, though the churchyard makes for a decent picnic spot with that coastal view. Allow about 30 minutes unless you're keen on studying every stone carving. The walk up from town is fairly gentle but might test anyone with mobility issues.

It works well as a morning stop when staying at nearby holiday parks like Seadown or Haven Seaview - both are just a couple of minutes away. Combine it with a wander around Weymouth's old town for a proper dose of local history before hitting the beach.