Old Clee Church

The church sits alone on what used to be a proper medieval headland, now stranded a mile inland thanks to Lincolnshire's shifting coastline. Old Clee Church is essentially what remains of a settlement that simply vanished into the sea over centuries - a sobering thing to stand in front of, actually.

Inside, it's modest but genuine. The chancel dates back to the 12th century, and there's enough Norman and Early English detail to keep history buffs occupied for a good half hour. The font's particularly fine. What gets you, though, is the sense of abandonment - this church outlasted an entire village. The surrounding land is flat and windswept, which somehow makes it feel even more isolated.

It's free to visit, though opening times are a bit vague - best ring ahead or check if there's a keyholder notice on the door. Allow 45 minutes maximum, including the walk from the nearest car park. Not one for young kids unless they're genuinely interested in medieval architecture; there's nothing interactive here, just quiet history.

If you're staying at Haven Cleethorpes Beach Holiday Park, Old Clee makes a worthwhile afternoon outing - it's only a couple of miles away and offers something genuinely different from the seaside bits of Cleethorpes. The walk there is flat and easy, though exposed. Go when the weather's decent; there's no shelter to speak of.