St Michaels, Stinsford

Thomas Hardy's heart beats on in this tiny churchyard where the great novelist chose to rest alongside three generations of his family. St Michael's feels wonderfully intimate - more village chapel than grand cathedral - with weathered stone walls and a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere despite being just minutes from the A35. Hardy fans will make a proper pilgrimage here, but even casual visitors find something moving about the simple grave marked only with his name.

The church itself dates back to the 13th century, though you'd be hard pressed to spend more than twenty minutes inside unless you're particularly keen on Victorian restoration work. What draws people is the connection to Hardy's world - this is Mellstock from his novels, and you can still sense the rural Dorset he wrote about so eloquently.

Families staying at nearby Haven Weymouth Bay or Warmwell Holiday Park might find it a pleasant detour rather than a destination, especially if the weather's turned. Literature enthusiasts will want longer to soak up the atmosphere and perhaps walk the surrounding lanes that inspired some of Hardy's finest writing. Free to visit, though parking can be tricky on the narrow village roads. Combined with a trip to Hardy's Cottage at Higher Bockhampton, it makes for a proper literary afternoon out.