Saint Mary's Parish Church

The stone tower of Saint Mary's Parish Church rises above Selby's roofline with the sort of solid confidence you'd expect from centuries of Yorkshire craftsmanship. Walking inside, the scale hits you immediately - this isn't a modest village chapel, but a proper church with real architectural ambition.

What you're looking at is medieval work at its finest. The nave stretches long and light, and if you're at all interested in how these buildings were constructed and what they tell you about a community's wealth and priorities, there's plenty to absorb. The stained glass pulls your eye upward; it's the kind of detail that rewards taking your time rather than rushing through.

History buffs will get the most from a visit here. It's not a museum, so there's no interpretation or gift shop nonsense - just the building itself and what you bring to understanding it. Allow a good half hour if you're properly looking, less if you're just passing through.

Practically speaking, it's free to step inside during daylight hours, and it sits right in Selby town centre, so combining it with a walk round the shops or a bite to eat makes sense. If you're based at York South Ltd, the holiday lodges just down the road, it's an easy drive or decent walk into town.

Worth your time? Yes - especially if you're already exploring Selby. It's the kind of building that improves on acquaintance.