St Carantoc's Church

Five minutes from the golden sands of Crantock Beach stands a church that's been watching over this corner of Cornwall for over 1,000 years. St Carantoc's feels wonderfully lived-in rather than museum-perfect, with weathered stone walls and a peaceful churchyard that invites a proper wander.

The church takes its name from a 6th-century Celtic saint who supposedly sailed here from Wales in a stone altar - though you'll need to take that particular tale with a pinch of sea salt. What's certain is the lovely Norman architecture and some rather fine medieval features that make this more than just another parish church.

Families staying at nearby Crantock Beach Holiday Park often stumble upon it during walks to the village, and it's a proper treat for anyone with even a passing interest in old buildings. The churchyard offers cracking views across the Gannel estuary, and there's something quite moving about the ancient headstones leaning at jaunty angles after centuries of Atlantic storms.

Kids might get restless after ten minutes, but grown-ups will appreciate the sense of continuity in a landscape that changes so rapidly. It's open during daylight hours and there's no admission fee. Worth combining with a stroll down to Crantock Beach or a pint in the village - you're only a couple of miles from Newquay if you fancy something livelier afterwards.