St Augustine's

Walking through Ilfracombe's streets, you'll find this unassuming church that predates most of the Victorian seaside development around it. The medieval stonework tells a different story to the town's holiday resort image - proper old Devon craftsmanship that's weathered centuries of coastal storms.

Inside, the atmosphere shifts completely from the busy harbour town outside. Ancient wooden pews and worn stone floors create that particular hush you only get in old parish churches. The stained glass catches the light beautifully on sunny afternoons, though don't expect grand cathedral drama - this is village church scale, intimate rather than imposing.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the medieval features that survived Victorian "improvements", while families might find it a useful respite from beach activities if the weather turns. Takes twenty minutes to look around properly, and it's right in the town centre so easy to pop in while exploring Ilfracombe.

For those staying at nearby parks like Woolacombe Sands or Golden Coast, it makes a decent cultural pit-stop between beach days. The town's got plenty more to offer - the harbour, Damien Hirst's statue, decent fish and chips - so St Augustine's works well as part of a proper Ilfracombe wander rather than a destination in itself.