Our Lady & St Patrick's Catholic Church, All Saints Parish

The red sandstone facade of Our Lady & St Patrick's catches the light beautifully on the high street in Dawlish, impossible to miss as you walk through town. It's a solid Victorian church, built when the seaside resort was booming with wealthy visitors keen to show off their faith. Step inside and you get that immediate sense of calm that good churches deliver - high ceilings, proper stained glass, the kind of space that makes you slow down whether you're religious or not.

This is really a stop-off rather than a destination in itself. If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Lady's Mile, Golden Sands, or Leadstone are all within four miles - and you fancy a gentle morning walk into Dawlish proper, the church is worth a quick look. The architecture alone tells you something about Victorian seaside culture. The interior has character without being showy, which is refreshing.

Historically minded visitors will get more from it than families with young kids, though there's nothing remotely scary about it. Allow fifteen minutes max unless you're the type to sit and contemplate for a while. Admission appears free, and it's usually open during daylight hours, though as ever with parish churches, it's worth checking ahead if you're making a special trip. Combine it with a wander along Dawlish seafront - the coastal path is lovely - and you've got a decent morning sorted.