​Church of St Mary, Woodhorn

The Church of St Mary sits on the edge of Woodhorn, just outside Ashington, looking rather more substantial than you'd expect for a place this size. It's a proper medieval church with real bones to it - the sort of building that rewards a wander round the graveyard and a proper look inside if you can get in.

What you're looking at is essentially a snapshot of several centuries. The church dates back well into the medieval period, and you can read that history in the stonework and the layout. It's not flashy, but it's genuine. The churchyard itself is quite atmospheric, particularly on an overcast Northumberland afternoon when the light does something moody through the clouds.

This works best for people who actually like churches and old buildings rather than those just ticking boxes. It's quiet - properly quiet - and takes about twenty minutes to have a proper look round, longer if you sit and read the stones. Absolutely free, naturally.

If you're based at Church Point Holiday Park or Golden Sands, both within a couple of miles, this makes a decent leg-stretcher between the coast and whatever else you're doing that day. It's the sort of stop that costs nothing and takes no time but sticks with you. Don't go expecting crowds or facilities. Go expecting peace and a bit of genuine history that nobody's bothered polishing up for the cameras.