St. Bartholomew's Church

The squat tower of St. Bartholomew's dominates the skyline around Sandy in a way that makes you wonder how many centuries of Cambridgeshire life have unfolded beneath it. This is a proper medieval church - the sort of place where you can run your fingers over 14th-century stonework and actually feel the weight of time.

Inside, it's all high ceilings and that particular kind of quiet you only get in old churches. The interior has been mucked about with over the years - as medieval churches tend to be - but there's genuine character here. The chancel rewards a closer look, and if you're into ecclesiastical architecture, the details repay attention. Most visitors spend 20 to 30 minutes poking about.

It's the sort of stop that works brilliantly if you're already in Sandy rather than a reason to drive there on its own. Free to visit, obviously. The nearest holiday parks - Cambridgeshire Lakes and St Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site are both within striking distance - make a natural base if you're exploring the area properly. You could combine it with a walk round Sandy itself, though the town's not exactly a showstopper.

Historyminded visitors and anyone interested in how ordinary medieval churches function will find it worthwhile. Casual tourists won't be gripped for long. Young children will get fidgety. It's the sort of building that rewards genuine curiosity but punishes idle wandering.