St Brendan

St Brendan sits on a quiet corner near Lynton, a church that stops you in your tracks if you happen upon it. The building itself is modest - grey stone, proper old, with the kind of roof that's been re-tiled more than once over the centuries. Inside, the light comes through in slabs. There's history here, though it's the understated kind that doesn't demand your attention so much as rewards it if you pay attention.

This is a spot for people who like their religion straightforward and their churches unadorned. Walkers exploring the Lynton area will find it worth a quick detour, and anyone interested in how ordinary Devonshire churches functioned will get something from it. It's not a jaw-dropping tourist moment - don't expect ornate monuments or famous burials - but it's genuine. Most people will spend twenty minutes here if they're thorough, ten if they're not.

Getting here means parking near Lynton and walking, which is no bad thing. The village itself is pleasant enough for a morning amble. If you're staying at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat just down the road, St Brendan makes an easy morning walk before heading elsewhere. It's free to visit, obviously, and the doors are usually open during daylight hours, though we'd suggest checking locally because opening times aren't always predictable with smaller churches. Don't come expecting a visitor centre or interpretive panels. Just come if you like the genuine article.