St Helen's Church : Brant Broughton

The moment you push open the lych gate at St Helen's Church in Brant Broughton, you're stepping into proper medieval England. This 14th-century church sits in one of Lincolnshire's quieter villages, about ten miles south of Lincoln, and it's the sort of place that makes you understand why people get obsessed with parish churches.

What makes St Helen's genuinely special is the interior. The chancel screen is absolutely exquisite - intricate carved woodwork that's survived when most others haven't. The roof bosses are worth craning your neck for, and there's stained glass that actually has something to say rather than just filling window space. It's intimate rather than grand, which somehow makes it feel more human.

This works brilliantly as a walking destination rather than a standalone pilgrimage. You're not looking at a major detour if you're exploring the area around Lincoln itself. If you're staying at Lincolnshire Glamping LTD at Spire View Meadow - just down the road at Broughton - this is essentially on your doorstep. Even Secret Garden Glamping, six miles away, makes this a natural inclusion in a day's wandering through the Lincolnshire countryside.

Give yourself thirty to forty minutes inside if you're genuinely interested in the architecture. Families with younger kids might find it a bit static after that. It's free to visit, and there's usually a donation box if you feel inclined. Early morning or late afternoon light through those windows is something else entirely - come then if you can.