St Margaret's

Stepping into this medieval church feels like entering a time capsule that's been quietly waiting for centuries. The Norman stonework tells stories of crusaders and plague survivors, while the remarkable 15th-century rood screen still bears traces of its original paint - a proper treasure that survived Henry VIII's reformers.

History enthusiasts will spend ages examining the carved bench ends and the ancient font, but families might find the real draw is the peaceful churchyard with its weathered headstones and views across the Lincolnshire Wolds. The church sits just outside Alford, making it an easy detour if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Long Acres or Cherry Tree Springs.

What sets St Margaret's apart is its authentic medieval atmosphere - no gift shop, no entrance fee, just centuries of unbroken worship in a building that's barely changed since the Wars of the Roses. The lack of modern additions means you get the full medieval experience, complete with that distinctive old stone smell and shafts of coloured light through ancient glass.

Allow about thirty minutes unless you're a proper church crawler, in which case you could easily spend an hour. Best visited on a sunny afternoon when the light shows off the stonework properly.