Framsden, St Mary

The church sits quietly on a lane a few miles east of Stowmarket, and the first thing you notice is how utterly alone it feels. St Mary's at Framsden is a medieval parish church - all flint and stone - that's been standing since the 12th century, though it's had a fair bit of work done over the years.

Inside, the space is intimate rather than grand. There's some decent medieval carpentry in the roof, a few bits of old glass, and the sort of peaceful atmosphere you only get in a church that hasn't been fussed with too much. If you're into architectural details and local church history, you'll spend a decent hour here poking about. It's not the kind of place that'll blow your mind, but it's exactly what you want when you're touring rural Suffolk - proper, unshowy, working church that's been doing its job for centuries.

Go on a weekday morning if you can. The setting is what makes it - you're surrounded by Suffolk countryside, quiet enough to actually think. Families with young kids might find half an hour is enough unless they're really into old buildings. If you're staying at Savage Glamping nearby, it's a straightforward detour while you're exploring the area. Not a destination on its own, but well worth the short drive from Stowmarket if you're doing the church trail through Suffolk.