Ashendon St Mary

The church sits quietly on the village high street in Ashendon, a few miles south of Thame, and at first glance it looks like any other Oxfordshire parish church. But step inside St Mary and you'll find yourself in a space that genuinely rewards a slow wander.

It's the medieval work that catches you - there's a lovely 15th-century roof with carved bosses, and the chancel arch is proper impressive if you're into that sort of thing. The windows are decent too, with some original tracery surviving alongside later Victorian glass. Nothing showy, just solid craftsmanship from centuries of parishioners who clearly cared about their building.

This is for church explorers rather than casual tourists. If you're doing a heritage walk through the villages around Thame, it's absolutely worth the detour. You won't need more than thirty minutes inside, but it's the kind of place where you might spend longer just sitting with the space. Local knowledge suggests dropping by midweek when it's quiet.

If you're staying at Lashlake Barn nearby, this makes a pleasant walk or short drive. The village itself is proper sleepy - no shops or pubs - so treat it as part of a wider exploration of the area rather than a destination on its own. Free to visit and there's parking near the church, though it's limited. The admission details aren't clearly advertised, so it's worth checking the Bernwode Benefice website before you go.