Church of Saint Swithun

The Church of Saint Swithun sits quietly on the edge of Buckingham, one of those medieval parish churches that locals barely notice but visitors often stumble upon by accident. Step inside and you're met with that distinctive smell of old wood and stone - the sort of place where the light through ancient windows feels like it's been filtering through for centuries.

It's a proper working church, so opening times depend on what's happening during the week, but the building itself is worth a look for anyone interested in medieval architecture. The chancel and nave are typical of their period, and there's enough detail in the stonework to keep history buffs occupied for half an hour without feeling rushed. It's not dramatically impressive - no soaring arches or famous tombs - but that's rather the point. This is unpretentious parish church architecture, honest and enduring.

Families won't find it thrilling on its own, but it slots well into a broader Buckinghamshire wander. The town of Buckingham itself has enough Georgian architecture and independent shops to occupy an afternoon. If you're camping at Embers Camping over near Claydon, it's an easy detour on the way back, worth a quick stop rather than a planned pilgrimage.

The churchyard is peaceful, and in spring the grounds can be quite lovely. Don't expect crowds or visitor facilities - that's not what this place is about. It's a quiet reminder of how many centuries these buildings have simply been getting on with their job.