Church of St Peter and St Paul, Great Casterton

The Church of St Peter and St Paul sits just outside Stamford, a proper medieval gem that most visitors barrel past without stopping. It's worth backtracking for. What strikes you first is the tower - sturdy, confident, rising above the village without any fuss. Inside, the stone work tells you this place has been standing for centuries, with enough detail to keep you occupied for a good half hour if you're into that sort of thing.

This is the sort of church that appeals to architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in how English villages actually developed. The craftsmanship in the stonework is excellent, and there's a real sense of continuity - people have worshipped here for over 800 years. It's not overly grand, which is rather the point. You won't find the crowds that descend on the tourist churches.

Great Casterton itself is quiet, the kind of place where you can hear yourself think. If you're staying at Stamford Meadows Glamping just up the road, this makes an easy afternoon walk, particularly if you're spending time exploring Stamford's high street and the other churches dotting the area. Allow perhaps 20 minutes to look around properly, longer if you're the type to sit and absorb the atmosphere. The church appears to be open to visitors, though it's worth checking ahead for specific opening times. No entry fee that we can find.

Really, it's the sort of stop that separates a pleasant afternoon from an actual memory of your time in the area.