St Mary the Virgin Church, St Marychurch, Torquay

St Mary the Virgin sits in the heart of St Marychurch, a residential suburb that's easy to overlook if you're heading straight for Torquay's seafront attractions. The church itself is a solid Norman structure, recognisable by its sturdy tower and the kind of weathered sandstone that tells you it's been standing for centuries rather than decades.

Inside, it's genuinely worth a look if medieval and Norman architecture interests you. The interior has that particular smell of old stone and hymn books that church enthusiasts either love or find slightly claustrophobic. There's decent stained glass work and the sort of quiet you simply don't get anywhere else in Torquay.

This isn't a destination attraction - it won't eat up half your day. Twenty minutes, maybe thirty if you're the type who reads every plaque. It's handy if you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Torquay Holiday Park (just 1.3 miles away) and fancy a short walk that breaks up the holiday routine without demanding proper hiking boots. Families with young kids might find it a bit slow, unless they're genuinely into old buildings.

Admission is free, which is the only reason to deviate from the main drag unless you're genuinely interested in medieval churches. The walk from the holiday parks in the area is pleasant enough through residential streets, though there's nothing particularly scenic about it. If you're combining it with other Devon attractions, it works as a supplementary stop rather than a main event.