Sidmouth Parish Church

The red sandstone tower of Sidmouth Parish Church rises above the town centre, a solid reminder that this seaside resort has roots going back centuries. It's All Saints Church officially, though locals just call it the parish church, and it sits comfortably in the heart of Sidmouth rather than tucked away somewhere hard to find.

Inside, it's all vaulted ceilings and Victorian restoration work - the Victorians got their hands on most of Devon's churches and this one's no exception. There are decent monuments dotted around if you're into that sort of thing, but honestly, you're not coming here for jaw-dropping medieval treasures. You come because you're already in Sidmouth, you've got an hour to kill, and it's free. The church is properly maintained, light streams through the windows, and there's a real sense of the town's history held in the walls.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Ladram Bay is closest at just over two miles away, or Oakdown if you prefer touring pitches - this makes an easy stroll into town on a Sunday morning or a wet afternoon. Budleigh Salterton is close by too if you're thinking of combining a coastal walk with some cultural bits and pieces. Families won't find it thrilling unless they're genuinely interested in church architecture, but walkers exploring Sidmouth's streets will naturally pass by. Allow twenty minutes, thirty if you're reading the plaques properly. Free entry, though you might feel inclined to drop something in the box.