St Bridget's Church

The churchyard at St Bridget's sits just inland from Bude, a proper slice of old Cornwall that most tourists barrel past on their way to the beaches. The church itself dates back centuries - the tower's solid granite and the interior has that particular smell of old stone and centuries of winter dampness that you either love or find slightly oppressive.

What strikes you first is how quiet it is. The graveyard slopes gently, and if you time it right on an afternoon, you'll have the place almost entirely to yourself. The views across towards the coast remind you why people settled here in the first place, despite the Atlantic battering the cliffs a few miles away.

This isn't a destination in itself - you won't spend more than thirty minutes here unless you're really into church architecture or grave rubbing. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as a break from a holiday at somewhere like Wooda Farm Holiday Park, which is only a short drive away. Park up, stretch your legs, wander through the churchyard, read a few headstones. History and fresh air without any pretension.

The church is free to visit, though opening times seem variable - your best bet is turning up during daylight hours and hoping it's unlocked. If you're staying in the Bude area and fancy a quiet walk that beats sitting in another café, this delivers. Not spectacular, but genuinely restorative.