Saint Mark's Church

The church sits just back from Swanage's seafront, a solid Victorian structure that doesn't shout for attention but rewards a quiet visit. Built in the 1880s, it's all red brick and proper English parish church restraint - nothing fancy, nothing overdone. The interior is surprisingly light and peaceful, with decent stained glass that catches the afternoon sun rather nicely.

It's the sort of place that works best if you've got twenty minutes between beach time and lunch, rather than something you'd plan a morning around. Families won't hold kids' attention long, but anyone who enjoys drifting through local churches will find it genuine and unpretentious. The churchyard is tidy and well-kept, with views across towards the seafront - a good spot to sit and decompress if the beach crowds are doing your head in.

Since Swanage Bay View Holiday Park sits barely a third of a mile away, you could easily pop in when you're popping out for an ice cream. Ulwell Holiday Park, just over a mile back, is equally well-placed for combining it with coastal walks. If you're staying at Woodyhyde Campsite further inland, it's a quick drive down when you want to escape the countryside for an hour.

Free entry, no faffing about with opening hours. Go when you feel like it. Best visited outside summer peak season when Swanage's chaos dies down a bit.