St Mags Church

St Mags Church sits quietly in Devon's landscape, a proper little medieval building that rewards anyone willing to seek it out. The church itself is small and unpretentious - the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which makes a pleasant change from the busier tourist spots dotting the coastline.

What you get is straightforward: a chance to step inside a piece of local history without the crowds or the gift shop. The interior has genuine character, with the sort of details that make church visits worthwhile if you're into that sort of thing - stonework, windows, the accumulated weight of centuries. It's not going to keep you occupied for hours, but that's rather the point.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around here - Parkdean Resorts Torquay is just two miles away, or Hoburne Devon Bay if you prefer something slightly removed - St Mags makes an easy diversion during a morning walk. It works best for those who actually enjoy poking around old buildings rather than ticking boxes. History enthusiasts and walkers will find it worthwhile; families with restless children might find twenty minutes is about the limit.

Admission appears to be free, which is typical for village churches in Devon. The real draw is that it's genuinely local and untouched by the commercialisation that's crept into so many Devon attractions. Worth a stop if you're in the area, but don't plan your holiday around it.