English Martyrs

The church itself sits quietly on the edge of Wallingford, a red-brick Victorian structure that wouldn't stop you in your tracks if you passed it on the street. But the story it tells will. English Martyrs was built to commemorate Catholics executed during the Reformation - a sobering reminder of a brutal chapter in English history that most of us gloss over at school.

Inside, it's a proper working parish church with all the usual Victorian Gothic touches: high ceilings, stained glass, that particular smell of old stone and candle wax. The atmosphere is contemplative rather than spectacular. You're looking at a building designed for prayer, not tourism, which means it feels genuine - no razzmatazz, no gift shop, just faith and history.

This appeals most to history enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in religious heritage. An hour is plenty of time, though you might linger longer if the subject matter resonates. Check ahead for opening times before making the trip into Wallingford town centre.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Bridge Villa is solid value, Rolling Fields offers proper glamping if you want comfort - you could easily combine this with a walk along Wallingford's riverfront or exploring the town's Norman castle remains. It's not a day-long destination, but paired with other local attractions, it fits neatly into a week in the area. Worth a detour if you're already in town, less worth planning your entire trip around.