St Anne's Church

The church sits quietly at the heart of Brockenhurst, all pale stone and pointed windows. St Anne's has been holding steady here since medieval times, though what you see today is largely Victorian restoration - the Victorians couldn't resist a good tidy-up, and this place got one.

Inside, there's proper atmosphere. The nave runs deep, light floods through the windows, and there are enough carved details and memorials to keep history enthusiasts occupied for a solid half-hour. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which is rare enough these days.

Who should visit? Anyone with more than a passing interest in church architecture and Hampshire's local history will find it rewarding. Children might get restless unless they're the type who enjoys a quiet explore, but it's only a quick stop - fifteen minutes is realistic if you're moving through, longer if you linger over the monuments.

Brockenhurst itself is well-positioned for a New Forest break, and St Anne's makes an easy addition to a morning's wandering around the village. Hollands Wood Campsite and Black Knowl are barely ten minutes away on foot, while Long Meadow Campsite sits at 1.1 miles if you're looking for something slightly further out. The New Forest National Park spreads across the area at 2.5 miles, so you could easily combine a church visit with forest walks or ponies spotting.

Admission should be free, though the place is open during daylight hours at the discretion of volunteers - it's not staffed 24/7.