Church of St. Mary

The Church of St. Mary sits in quiet countryside just east of Huntingdon, a proper medieval structure that rewards the detour if you're into ecclesiastical architecture. The church itself is solid Cambridgeshire stone with the sort of understated grandeur you find scattered across East Anglia - nothing flashy, just centuries of worship embedded in the walls.

What you get here depends entirely on your interests. History buffs will appreciate the period features and the sense of continuity; it's the kind of place where you can actually feel the weight of time. If you're dragging reluctant teenagers round the countryside, they'll manage ten minutes, maybe fifteen if there's something to climb. Walkers heading out from Huntingdon will find it a natural stop on a longer ramble through the area.

The practical side: opening times aren't guaranteed, so ring ahead rather than turning up expecting to get inside. Most rural churches like this operate on a loose schedule, and you may find it locked. Admission is typically free or donation-based, but again, best to check. Allow twenty minutes if you do get in, longer if you're photographing details.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Guilden Gate Glamping is barely two miles away, or Grafham Water's caravan site if you've got the van - St. Mary makes an easy leg-stretch visit. Pair it with a walk round Grafham Water itself for a proper afternoon out. On its own, it's a worthwhile diversion if you're in the area, not essential if you're just passing through.