Saint John the Baptist Meopham

The church sits on the high street in Meopham village with the kind of solid, honest presence that Kent churches do - medieval flint and ragstone, a proper chancel, and that specific smell of centuries and furniture polish that hits you when you push through the heavy door. Saint John the Baptist is a working parish church, not a museum piece, which means you'll find actual people here rather than the usual tourist shuffle.

Inside, the real interest lies in the medieval wall paintings - faded but genuine - and the 15th-century timber roof that's survived remarkably intact. The bell tower is substantial enough to announce itself across the village. You can spend twenty minutes here, or sit quietly for longer if that's your thing. There's no grand architecture to make your neck hurt looking up, which some will find restful and others a bit underwhelming.

For a camping holiday in the area - and there are several decent options nearby like Badgells Wood just 2.8 miles away - this works as a proper village anchor point rather than a destination in itself. Pop in while you're grabbing supplies in Meopham, have a look around, then continue walking. It's free to enter and opens during daylight hours as most village churches do. Worth a detour if you're already in the village, but don't make a special trip unless you're genuinely into medieval parish churches. Thriftwood and Gatehouse Wood are both within easy striking distance if you're based at any of the local parks.