St Decumanus, St Decumans

The church sits on a quiet lane above the coast near Watchet, its squat tower visible from the coastal path. St Decumanus is one of those proper old Somerset churches that rewards a detour - it's dedicated to a saint so obscure that even the locals seem uncertain how to pronounce his name correctly. The interior is surprisingly spacious, with a decent Victorian restoration that didn't quite erase the medieval bones underneath. You'll find old stone carvings, some decent stained glass, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you understand why people still wander in on weekday afternoons.

Honestly? It's worth thirty minutes if you're walking the coastal path between Watchet and Minehead anyway. Don't trek across Somerset specifically for it, but combined with a stay at one of the nearby parks - Warren Bay or Hoburne Blue Anchor are practically on the doorstep - it breaks up a seaside holiday nicely. Kids won't find much to occupy them inside, but the churchyard is spacious and the path down to the coast is decent. The nearest proper town is Taunton, though Watchet's a few miles closer if you need supplies.

Access should be straightforward - Somerset churches tend to stay unlocked during daylight - but ring ahead if you're making a special trip. No facilities on site, so sort yourself out in Watchet first.