Church of St James, Halse

The Church of St James sits quietly in Halse, a modest village just south of Taunton, and it's the kind of place that rewards the small detour. Step inside and you're greeted by that particular smell of old stone and polished wood - the sort of thing you either find deeply moving or slightly melancholic, depending on your mood.

It's a working parish church with genuine medieval bones, which means the architecture tells a proper story if you know what to look for. The building itself is unpretentious, which is rather refreshing compared to some of the show-off churches you'll find elsewhere in Somerset. You won't need more than twenty minutes to look around properly, though if you're the type to sit quietly in pews and soak up the atmosphere, you could easily spend longer.

Religion enthusiasts and architecture buffs will get the most from a visit - it's not a destination that will entertain young children for long, to be honest. But it makes a logical stop if you're exploring the quieter corners of Somerset between Taunton and the Quantock Hills.

The nearby glamping at Middle Stone Farm or touring facilities at Waterrow are well-placed for making this part of the county your base. Neither is a massive detour from the church. Just phone ahead or check locally when you arrive - opening hours can be a bit variable at small parish churches, and you'll want to be sure someone's about.