St Mark's Church

The church sits right in Christchurch town centre, impossible to miss with its sturdy stone walls and that distinctive spire cutting into the Hampshire sky. St Mark's is properly old - the sort of place where you can actually feel the weight of centuries when you step through the door. The interior is simple and honest, with decent stained glass and the kind of quiet that makes you want to whisper even though no one's asked you to.

It's worth a quick visit if you're already in town, though I wouldn't say it's a destination in itself. Twenty minutes, maybe thirty if you're the type who reads every memorial plaque. The real appeal is that it anchors Christchurch's character - this isn't some tourist attraction dressed up for cameras, it's a working church that's been doing its job for centuries.

Families with young children might find it a bit dull unless they're genuinely interested in old buildings. Walkers doing circuits around the area will naturally pass by. History types, especially those interested in Hampshire's medieval period, will find it worth a proper look.

If you're based at Hoburne Naish Holiday Park just up the road, it's an easy stroll into town. The other parks - Hoburne Bashley, Holmsley, New Forest Glamping - are all within a few miles and make reasonable bases for exploring the wider area. Pop in while you're grabbing lunch or coffee in Christchurch. Don't go out of your way specifically for it, but don't skip it either if you're passing through.