St Elli's Church

St Elli's Church sits on a quiet lane just outside Crickhowell, a small stone building that's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. The interior is surprisingly intimate - low ceilings, whitewashed walls, and the sort of peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to speak in whispers even when you're alone.

What draws people here is partly the history. This is a medieval church with some decent medieval stonework if you know what to look for, though it's been restored and altered over the centuries like most Welsh chapels. The churchyard itself is worth a wander, with old graves tucked among overgrown corners that give it real character rather than the manicured feel of suburban churches.

It's the sort of place history enthusiasts and church crawlers will appreciate more than casual visitors. There's no gift shop, no tearoom, no interpretation boards - which is either brilliant or a bit flat depending on your tolerance for atmospheric but bare-bones attractions. Allow 20 minutes if you're just popping in, longer if you're into reading gravestones and deciphering Victorian inscriptions.

Locally, it pairs well with a stay at Cwmdu Campsite, only six miles away, giving you a proper rural Powys base. Crickhowell itself is worth a day - decent pubs, bookshops, and it's surrounded by walks. But St Elli's? Go if you're already in the area and like your churches quiet and unmanicured. It's not a destination in itself, but it's a genuine find.