St Cuthburga's Church - Wimborne Minster

The twin towers of St Cuthburga's Church dominate Wimborne's market square, and they're proper impressive when you're standing beneath them. Built around 1120, this is one of England's finest Norman churches - the sort of place that makes you actually crane your neck to take it all in. The interior is vast and airy, with a soaring nave that the Normans clearly didn't do by halves. There's exceptional late medieval woodwork, intricate floor tiles, and some genuinely moving medieval tombs scattered about. The chancel screen is particularly good if you're into that sort of craftsmanship.

The chained library tucked away upstairs is the real talking point though - one of the few remaining in the country, with books still in their original iron chains. You can't just wander up and have a gander, mind; you'll need to ask nicely at the church. Most visitors allow 45 minutes to an hour, which gives you time to look properly without getting overwhelmed by the sheer amount to see.

It's free to enter, and genuinely worth carving out time for if you're into medieval architecture or local history. Families with older kids who can appreciate stonework will find it absorbing. Those camping at Dorset Glamping or South Lytchett Manor, both within five miles, can easily pop in during a day trip to Wimborne town centre - there are decent cafes nearby for afterwards, which helps break up the visit.