Belan Church

There's something properly moving about finding a medieval church in the middle of nowhere - and Belan Church, a few miles outside Welshpool in Powys, is exactly that sort of place. It's a small, ancient building that sits quietly in the Welsh countryside, the kind of spot where you can actually hear yourself think. The church dates back centuries and holds the sort of understated charm that makes you wonder how many people actually find their way here.

Inside, you'll discover original features and a real sense of continuity - this is a church that's been serving its community for generations, not a museum piece. The stone walls and simple interior give you a genuine feel for medieval Welsh religious life, far removed from the grand cathedrals that suck in the crowds.

This works brilliantly as a quiet stop if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Maes Yr Afon is only three miles away, and Hidden Valley or Oaklands Glamping are handy too. You won't need more than half an hour here, but it's exactly the sort of detour that breaks up a Powys holiday nicely. Historians and walkers will appreciate it more than families with restless kids, to be honest. The real draw is that sense of discovery - turning up at an actual working church where tourists are thin on the ground and you can stand in silence for a bit. No fanfare, no gift shop, just honest architecture and Welsh countryside. Worth a look if you're in the area, though it's not the sort of place that'll keep you occupied for hours.