Saint Peter the Apostle Parish Church of Shaldon

The church sits right at the water's edge in Shaldon, which immediately sets it apart from most parish churches tucked inland. Saint Peter the Apostle is a proper Victorian rebuild - the original medieval structure was replaced in the 1870s, though the tower kept some of its older character. Step inside and you'll find the usual ecclesiastical layout, but the real draw is the setting itself. From the churchyard you can see straight across the Teign Estuary, and on a clear day the light floods in something fierce.

It's worth a wander if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Lady's Mile, Golden Sands, or Leadstone Camping are all within four or five miles - and fancy a bit of coastal village exploration. The church doesn't demand hours of your time, but combined with the riverside walk around Shaldon itself (proper lovely that is), you could easily spend an afternoon pottering about. History enthusiasts will get a kick out of spotting the Victorian craftsmanship, though it's not a place that'll keep you riveted for ages.

The village location means parking can be tight in summer, so go early if you're visiting during peak season. Free entry, obviously - it's a working parish church, not an attraction with opening hours stamped on the door. Best visited as part of a broader coastal wander rather than as a destination in itself.