Lytchett Minster Parish Church

The church sits on the high street in Lytchett Minster, a few miles inland from Poole, and it's one of those places that rewards a quiet ten minutes if you're passing through. Grade II listed, with bits dating back to the 12th century, though most of what you see now is Victorian restoration - which means it's all rather crisp and orderly rather than atmospherically crumbly.

Inside you get decent Victorian stained glass and the sort of peaceful, slightly dusty air that makes you want to whisper. The churchyard's pleasant enough for a wander if the weather's decent, and there's a real sense that this is still the heart of the village, even if the village itself has grown around it.

It's not a destination in itself - you won't spend more than twenty minutes here unless you're genuinely into ecclesiastical architecture. But if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Sandford Holiday Park or Wareham Forest Tourist Park, and you've got an afternoon to kill between beach trips and forest walks, it's worth the five-minute diversion from Poole. Admission is free, naturally, and opening hours are whatever daylight permits.

Historically minded visitors will find it interesting enough; children will tolerate it for about ten minutes before asking what's next. It's the sort of place that makes sense as part of a broader afternoon, not as a standalone trip.