Chapel of St Mary Magdalene

The Chapel of St Mary Magdalene sits just outside Peterborough, a small stone church that's easy to miss if you're whizzing past on the A1. It's one of those places that rewards a deliberate detour - the kind of stop that breaks up a drive rather nicely if you're staying at Brightside Caravan Park nearby.

Inside, it's genuinely peaceful. The chapel itself is modest - no grand nave or soaring arches - but that's rather the appeal. There's something about the quiet and the light coming through old windows that makes you slow down. The architecture spans centuries, and if you're into medieval churches or just appreciate the weight of time in a building, you'll find plenty to look at. The stonework and any original features tell their own story without needing a guidebook.

This isn't a destination in itself, if we're being honest. You're not clearing your calendar to spend the afternoon here. But if you're based at Brightside for a few days and fancy a gentle morning drive to somewhere with a bit of history and calm, it's absolutely worth twenty minutes of your time. Families with older children who can appreciate a quieter space will get something from it; younger kids might find it a touch dull. There's no café or facilities to speak of, so it's a straight visit to the chapel itself.

Check locally for opening times before you head over - these smaller churches can be temperamental about access.