St Mary Bredin Church, Canterbury

Walk down Northgate Street in Canterbury and you'll stumble on St Mary Bredin, a medieval church that most visitors miss completely while queuing for the cathedral instead. It's a proper gem - the sort of place where you can actually sit in quiet for five minutes without fighting through crowds.

The church dates back to the 12th century, though what you see now is mostly 15th-century Perpendicular work. The interior is fairly modest by cathedral standards, but that's precisely why it works. You get good views of the nave and chancel, some decent stained glass, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you understand why people bother with churches in the first place.

It's genuinely free to pop in during daylight hours, and you'll spend maybe twenty minutes here - half an hour if you're taking photos. History enthusiasts will appreciate the medieval fabric and the fact it's survived so many centuries. Families with fidgety kids might find it a bit underwhelming after five minutes, to be honest.

If you're camping nearby - Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite is barely over a mile away - it's worth a quiet morning visit before exploring the main cathedral. The walk through Canterbury's old streets to get here is half the appeal. Don't expect fireworks, but do expect to find something real.