Parish church of Saint Mary, Great Bedwyn

The Parish Church of Saint Mary sits quietly in Great Bedwyn, a village that most people speed past on the way to somewhere else. But stop here and you'll find something genuinely worth your time - a church that's been standing since the 12th century, with enough architectural detail to keep history buffs occupied for a good hour.

Inside, there's proper medieval stonework, some decent stained glass, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere you only get in old churches where the air feels thick with centuries. The chancel's particularly fine, and if you're into brass rubbings or monumental inscriptions, you'll find plenty to photograph. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - rare these days.

The village itself is tiny, which means parking isn't a nightmare and you won't be fighting crowds. Allow 30-45 minutes to have a proper look around without rushing. If you're camping at Totteridge Farm just down the road near Pewsey, this makes an easy leg-stretch on a rainy afternoon or a peaceful walk before breakfast.

It's free to visit, naturally, and there's usually someone about to chat to if the door's unlocked. Not a spectacle, not somewhere to drag reluctant teenagers. But if you like old churches - really like them - this one's worth the detour. Great Bedwyn rewards the curious.