St John in the Wilderness

The church sits tucked away on the outskirts of Exmouth, a proper Victorian gem that most holidaymakers thundering past on their way to the seafront completely miss. St John in the Wilderness is exactly what the name suggests - a 19th-century church in a rural spot that feels genuinely removed from the coastal bustle, even though you're only a couple of miles from Haven Devon Cliffs Resort.

It's a working parish church, so you'll need to check opening times before you visit, but the exterior alone is worth the walk. Red sandstone, pointed Gothic windows, a bell tower that catches the light just right on a clear afternoon. Inside, if you manage to get in, there's proper Victorian atmosphere - high ceilings, decent stained glass, the kind of place that makes you want to whisper.

This won't keep anyone occupied for more than half an hour, honestly. It's a stop rather than a destination. But if you're based at one of the holiday parks nearby - Castle Brake or Dawlish Sands - and you fancy stretching your legs without heading to the beach again, it's a solid fifteen-minute walk. Families with kids under eight will find it dull. History types and architecture enthusiasts will get something from it.

The real appeal is using it as an excuse to explore the quieter lanes around Exmouth rather than staying tethered to the park. Worth the detour if you're already in the area, but don't drive specifically for it.