Church of St Madoc

You'll find this church tucked away in Swansea, a proper medieval gem that most people rush past on their way to the seafront. St Madoc's sits quietly in the middle of town, and it's worth stopping for if you've got any interest in Welsh religious history. The building itself dates back centuries - the stone work tells its own story if you look closely enough.

Inside, it's got that calm, slightly musty atmosphere you get in old churches. The architecture is straightforward rather than showy, which somehow makes it feel more authentic. The detail work on the windows and fixtures rewards a proper look around. You won't need more than thirty minutes here, though if you're into medieval Wales, you could easily spend longer studying the finer points.

It's best suited to history types and people who actually enjoy churches rather than those just ticking them off a list. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Whiteford Bay is practically on your doorstep, or Broughton Farm if you want something a touch further out - this makes a good rainy afternoon detour or a quiet moment between beach trips around the Gower.

Admission should be free (as most parish churches are), though it's worth checking locally before you visit. Getting there from any of the local parks takes just a few minutes, which makes it sensible to slot in during a Swansea trip rather than plan a journey solely around it.