Highworth Methodist Church

The Methodist chapel in Highworth sits quietly on the high street, a solid Victorian brick structure that announces itself without fanfare. Built in the mid-19th century when Methodism was still a serious business, it's the sort of place that rewards a five-minute detour if you're passing through Fairford on the way to somewhere else.

Inside, you'll find the expected high-backed pews and a simple pulpit - all very earnest and proper. The architecture is functional rather than showy, which is rather the point of Methodist design. There's genuine character in the plainness of it, and the light through those tall windows does something rather lovely to the wood.

This isn't a destination in itself, frankly. You're not driving across the Cotswolds specifically to see Highworth Methodist Church. But if you're staying at Great Farm or Faringdon Grange and fancying a gentle walk into the town, it's worth the ten minutes to step inside and get a feel for Victorian nonconformist life. Families won't find much to hold kids' attention beyond about quarter of an hour, and you'll want to check opening times before you visit - it's not always accessible.

The real draw is context. See it alongside a walk round Highworth's medieval market town, the proper old pubs nearby, and you start to understand the place. Part of the Cotswolds fabric rather than a headline attraction, which is exactly what you need on a quieter holiday afternoon.