St Catherine's Church

The tower of St Catherine's Church rises above Langport like a beacon that's guided travellers through the Somerset Levels for centuries. It's one of those proper medieval parish churches that rewards a wander round, all stone and stained glass, with a tower that commands views across the flat fenland landscape you'd never guess existed from the car park.

Inside, it's the kind of place that makes you slow down. The architecture spans several centuries - you can read the church's evolution in the stonework itself, from the medieval core to later additions. The tower climb is worth the effort if your knees are up for it, though I'd check opening arrangements first as hours aren't always advertised online.

It's ideal for history buffs and anyone interested in how ordinary people lived and worshipped in medieval England. Families with older kids might enjoy the architectural detective work. That said, unless you're genuinely keen on medieval churches, an hour is plenty.

Langport itself is small - a proper market town rather than a tourist trap - so St Catherine's works best as part of a broader Somerset exploration. If you're staying at Esme's Escape or Thornhills Holiday Park nearby, it's barely a ten-minute drive and makes a sensible stop between other attractions. Check locally before you go - these smaller churches sometimes close unexpectedly. Free to enter, as a rule, though donations are always welcome.