Church of St John the Baptist, Northwood

The Church of St John the Baptist sits quietly in Northwood, just inland from Cowes, and it's the sort of place that rewards a proper wander. Stepping through the door, you're met with the kind of calm that only old churches manage - the light comes through in soft angles, and there's that particular smell of stone and old wood that takes you back centuries.

This is genuinely medieval work, which matters if you care about that sort of thing. The building itself tells the story of Northwood's past without any fuss or fanfare. It's not trying to be grand; it just is. You'll spend maybe thirty minutes here if you're thorough, less if you're after a quick look. Free to visit, naturally, and there's a peaceful churchyard that's worth a few minutes on its own.

It works well as a breather between beach time and other bits of the island. If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay - which is barely two and a half miles away - this makes a proper morning outing before heading down to the water. Lepe Beach Campsite is a bit further out, but still manageable for the same route.

Historically-minded visitors will get the most from it, to be honest. It's not a showpiece like some island churches. Families with young children might find it a touch quiet, though the churchyard has space to roam. This is the sort of place you visit because you're curious about how people lived here, not because you've been told you must.