Northlew St Thomas of Canterbury Church

The church sits quietly on the edge of Northlew, a handful of miles south of Okehampton - easy enough to find if you've got a map. St Thomas of Canterbury dates back to medieval times, and stepping inside feels like walking into someone's front room from the 15th century. The stone walls are thick. The timber roof still holds its original character. You'll spot the usual suspects - a decent font, some older fixtures - but what strikes you is how genuine it all feels. No theatrical restoration here, just a building that's been used, cared for, and left largely alone.

It's not going to grab the kids' attention for long unless they're already keen on churches. Adults who walk Devon properly - the sort who think nothing of a two-hour moorland ramble - will appreciate what's here. The churchyard is peaceful, the surrounding lanes proper quiet. If you're staying at Wolf Wood Treehouses nearby, this makes a straightforward morning detour before heading elsewhere. Free to visit, naturally. Allow 20 minutes unless you're the sort who reads every memorial stone.

The real appeal is that it's genuine rather than grand. There's no gift shop, no interpretation panels, no pretence. Just a working parish church that's been standing for centuries. Worth the visit if you're in the area, though you wouldn't drive out of your way specifically for it.