Romsey Abbey

The Abbey sprawls across the high street in Romsey like a grand old dowager who's seen centuries pass and couldn't be bothered to move. It's a proper Saxon and Norman church - one of the largest parish churches in England, which catches you off guard when you realise it's actually still being used as a working church rather than a museum piece.

What strikes you immediately is the sheer scale of the interior. The nave soars, the columns are hefty and ancient, and there's enough stained glass and carved stone to keep you occupied for a good hour if you're into that sort of thing. The Norman arches are particularly fine - solid, confident, built when people still thought in terms of centuries rather than quarterly profits.

It's free to wander in, which is generous, and the staff are genuinely helpful without being pushy. You'll get the most out of it if you care about Romanesque architecture or English church history - casual visitors might find thirty minutes plenty. The town of Ashurst is right there, making it an easy stop if you're already in the area.

Green Hill Farm Holiday Village sits just five miles away, so it works nicely as a morning visit before heading back to the caravan or lodge. Don't expect drama or tourist theatre. This is the real thing - a working abbey that happens to be rather handsome.