St Nun

Ancient stones mark this remote clifftop church, one of Cornwall's most atmospheric religious sites. St Nun sits in splendid isolation above the coast near Looe, its weathered walls and tiny Norman windows speaking of centuries of worship in this windswept spot. The church itself is simple but moving - just a single nave with rough-hewn stone and that particular smell of old prayer books and sea air that you get in proper Cornish coastal churches.

History buffs will love the medieval details, while walkers often stumble across it during coastal path rambles and find themselves lingering longer than planned. There's something properly peaceful about the place, especially on grey days when the mist rolls in from the sea. The churchyard offers cracking views across the water, though it's the sense of timelessness that really gets you.

Families staying at nearby Killigarth Manor or Tencreek Holiday Park could easily combine a visit with a coastal walk, though small children might find the historical significance lost on them. The church appears to be open during daylight hours, and there's no admission fee as far as I could tell. Allow an hour to explore properly and soak up the atmosphere - longer if you're planning to continue along the coast path towards Looe.