Hele Lane Methodist Church

A modest Methodist chapel tucked away on the outskirts of Crediton, Hele Lane Methodist Church is the sort of place that rewards the curious rather than the casual passerby. Built in the 19th century when Methodism was still a significant force in rural Devon, the building itself is straightforward - red brick, simple windows, that distinctive Methodist plainness that speaks volumes about the community that gathered here.

The interior is small and intimate, with original wooden pews and a pulpit that commands the modest space. There's a real sense of time standing still here; you get the feeling that if you stepped outside and stepped back in, the congregation might still be settling in for the evening service. It's the kind of place that appeals to anyone interested in local church history or Methodist heritage rather than architectural showiness.

Visiting is free, though opening hours aren't always guaranteed - you'll want to ring ahead or check locally in Crediton before making the trip. Allow twenty minutes to half an hour if you do get inside, though the exterior is pleasant enough to photograph from the lane.

If you're based at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park, just 2.5 miles away, this makes a worthwhile morning walk through proper Devon countryside. Crediton itself has other attractions worth exploring, so bundle a few things into a half-day outing rather than making this a sole destination. The church works best as part of a broader meander rather than a destination in itself.