St Chad, Prees

The tower of St Chad rises above the flat Shropshire countryside near Whitchurch like a proper landmark - you can spot it from miles away across the farmland. It's a medieval parish church, mostly 14th and 15th century, with that solid English feel that comes from centuries of people simply turning up on Sundays and getting on with it.

Inside, there's decent woodwork and some interesting monuments if you're into that sort of thing. The church sits in a quiet churchyard just off the village, so it's the kind of place you can wander round at your own pace without crowds. Free to visit, obviously, and you can usually get in during daylight hours - though it's worth checking locally first since opening times aren't always publicised.

This works well if you're based at Hawk Lake Caravan Park or Abbey Green Farm nearby - both are within easy driving distance. It makes a good half-hour stop on a loop round the area rather than a destination in itself. The walks around Prees village are pleasant enough, and Whitchurch itself has a market hall and decent pubs if you fancy stretching your legs properly.

Honestly? Unless you're a church enthusiast or collecting medieval architecture, you might find thirty minutes is about your lot. But if you're parked locally and the weather's decent, it's worth the short drive to have a look. The churchyard's peaceful, which counts for something.