Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross stands in Godalming's churchyard, a genuine medieval survivor that stops you dead when you round the corner. It's not massive - that's actually refreshing - just tall enough to command respect without being showy. The stone's weathered considerably over the centuries, which somehow makes it more real than the pristine copies you see in tourist shops.

This is proper history without the visitor centre nonsense. You're looking at genuine Celtic craftsmanship, the kind of artefact that makes you think about the hands that carved it and the faith that drove them to the effort. The cross speaks more through its age than any plaque could manage.

Walkers and history types will get the most from it, frankly. Kids might be confused about why you've stopped to look at old stone, unless they're already into that sort of thing. Allow twenty minutes maximum - it's not somewhere you'll linger for hours, but it's worth the detour if you're exploring Godalming anyway.

If you're staying at Little Cowdray Farm Glamping, just 1.6 miles away, this makes an easy morning walk. The churchyard itself is pleasant enough for a wander. Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, a bit further at 4.2 miles, sits well for combining this with walks through the surrounding countryside. Free to visit, obviously - it's a public churchyard. Best to go during daylight when the stone's readable.