Saint Anne

Saint Anne's Church sits quietly on the edge of Banbury, a solid stone presence that most visitors to the area hurry straight past. It's a proper medieval structure with the kind of no-nonsense architecture you'd expect from the Oxfordshire landscape - sturdy walls, pitched roof, the works. Inside, there's genuine character: the sort of light that comes through old glass, carved wooden details that have survived centuries, and if you're into ecclesiastical history, plenty to keep you absorbed for twenty minutes or so.

This isn't a destination that'll fill your entire afternoon. History buffs and church crawlers will appreciate the craftsmanship and period details, but you'll want to pair it with a walk around Banbury town centre or one of the nearby parks if you're staying at Crofts Barn Campsite or Shire Camping. The real appeal is stumbling across it on a ramble - that moment when a village church suddenly reveals itself to be far more interesting than you'd bargained for.

Access shouldn't be difficult, though opening times vary with most village churches. Your best bet is checking locally when you arrive in Banbury. It's free to look around, which is standard. Families with older kids interested in architecture will get something from it; younger children might find it a bit dull unless you've got them keen on spotting gargoyles. Allow fifteen to thirty minutes depending on how deeply you want to examine the details.