selworthy church

The church sits on a slope above the village of Selworthy, cream-coloured and gleaming against the Exmoor backdrop in a way that catches you off guard. It's one of those places that looks almost too perfect from a distance - the sort of building that appears on jigsaw boxes - but walking up to it properly rewards the effort.

Inside, you'll find the kind of medieval church interior that Somerset does well: timber roof, decent stained glass, and the quiet that only old stone buildings seem to manage. The real draw is the setting. The churchyard offers proper views across the valley, and on a clear day you can see enough of Exmoor to justify the short walk from the village car park.

It's free to visit and takes about thirty to forty minutes if you're not rushing. Families with younger kids might find it less engaging than the novelty of a coastal town, but if you're interested in ecclesiastical architecture or simply want a gentle walk with a viewpoint thrown in, it's well worth the detour from Minehead. The village itself is attractive without being twee, and it feels genuinely lived-in rather than touristed.

If you're staying at Minehead Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or the Butlins site, Selworthy makes a decent half-day outing. Pair it with a walk down to the beach at Porlock Weir - it's only a few miles further on - and you've got the bones of a proper afternoon. Go mid-week if possible; weekends bring crowds to this corner of Somerset.