Hackney Church (St John at Hackney)

St John at Hackney has been sitting on this corner since the 15th century, though what you see now is largely Victorian - the Georgians had a go at it too, and it shows. The church itself is genuinely impressive if you're into ecclesiastical architecture: proper soaring interior, decent stained glass, and the kind of solid craftsmanship that makes you understand why these buildings have lasted so long.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick tick-off. History enthusiasts will appreciate the layers - medieval bones with later additions tell a story about how London's changed. The churchyard is peaceful, which matters more than you'd think when you're surrounded by Hackney's urban energy.

Free entry and generally accessible during daylight hours, though do check ahead if you're planning a specific visit. Allow 30-45 minutes if you're actually looking at things rather than just poking your head round the door. Families with older kids won't struggle with it, but young ones might get restless without something to focus on.

If you're based at Lovat Parks just down the road (5.6 miles away), this makes a solid half-day cultural break from the campsite routine. It's not a crowd-puller like some London attractions, which means you'll actually be able to see what you came for without queuing. Genuine bit of old London that doesn't feel staged.