Axmouth Church

The church sits on a steep hillside above Axmouth village, which means you're already huffing a bit before you properly step inside. It's a modest medieval structure with plenty of character - the sort of place that feels genuinely lived-in rather than museum-like. Once you catch your breath, you'll notice the decent medieval woodwork and the kind of quiet that only very old churches manage.

It's the setting that really gets you though. From outside, you've got views down to the Axe estuary, which is lovely if you're into that sort of thing. The walk up from Seaton (the nearest town, about a mile away) is scenic enough, though fair warning - it's proper steep in places. Worth doing in good shoes.

This isn't a showstopper like Exeter Cathedral, but it works well if you're staying at Beer Head Holiday Park or exploring the coastal paths around here. Walkers and history types will find it rewarding. Families with small children might find the walk annoying and the interior a bit quiet for keeping them entertained. You're really looking at thirty minutes here, tops.

The church is free to visit, as far as I can tell, though opening hours aren't set in stone - typical for a working village church. Pop in if you're doing the estuary walk or combining it with Seaton's seafront. Don't go out of your way specially, but don't skip it either if you're in the area.