St Paul's Church, Preston, Paignton

St Paul's Church sits in the Preston area of Paignton, a proper Victorian-era structure that rewards a quiet wander if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Hoburne Devon Bay or Beverley Holidays. It's the kind of place you stumble across while exploring the quieter residential streets away from Paignton's seafront bustle - Victorian brick and stone, solid and unpretentious.

The church itself is worth popping into if it's open. You get a sense of what mid-19th century worship looked like in a growing seaside town, and the interior has that particular smell of old hymn books and floor polish that takes you straight back. Don't expect grand monuments or architectural fireworks - this is a working parish church, not a cathedral showstopper.

It's really a spot for history enthusiasts or anyone taking a proper walk around Paignton's residential quarters. You won't spend hours here - twenty minutes covers it thoroughly - but it slots nicely into a morning's exploration before heading down to the beaches or exploring Torbay's seafront attractions. The location works well if you're based at Whitehill Country Park or Waterside Holiday Park and fancy a gentle stroll away from the holiday park buzz.

Admission appears to be free, though opening hours aren't widely advertised, so a weekday daytime visit increases your chances of finding it unlocked. It's the sort of gem that appeals to walkers and anyone interested in Victorian Devon rather than families after theme park thrills.