St Michael's Church : Coningsby

The 8-sided tower rising above Coningsby's roofline isn't what you'd expect from a medieval church. St Michael's is genuinely odd in the best way - that octagonal lantern, added in the 15th century, makes it one of England's architectural curiosities. You can spot it from the main road, and it's worth pulling over to have a proper look.

Inside, the church keeps things relatively straightforward - a working parish church rather than a museum piece. The real draw is that tower though. It's distinctive enough to stick with you, particularly if you're touring around Lincolnshire and noticing how most churches follow the same basic template. This one breaks the mould.

Coningsby itself is small, sitting between Lincoln and the airfield heritage sites. If you're camping at Tattershall Lakes just down the road, the church makes an easy 15-minute walk or drive. It's the kind of stop you tag on to a morning exploring Tattershall Castle rather than plan a day around. Admission appears free - locals popped in and out while I was there on a weekday afternoon.

History types will get a kick out of the engineering decision to go octagonal. For families, honestly, it's a quick look rather than a lingering visit. Architecture students and photographers keen on unusual medieval details will find it genuinely rewarding. Allow 20 minutes if you're reading the boards inside, a quick five if you're just admiring the exterior. The real value is seeing something different from the standard church layout.