St Francis of Assisi Church

The church sits quietly on its own, all pale stone and solid Norman work, the kind of place that feels properly removed from the world even though Bristol's just down the road. St Francis of Assisi isn't one of those cathedral showstoppers - it's intimate, even small by some measures, but that's rather the point.

Inside, the light comes through in particular ways that make you understand why someone chose this spot to build a church. The dedication to St Francis brings a certain gentleness to the space, and you'll spot the usual markers of a working parish church: candles, flowers, prayer books worn at the edges. It's the kind of place where you can actually sit quietly for twenty minutes without feeling rushed.

History enthusiasts will want to know about the Norman bones of the building - those arches don't lie - but this isn't a ruin-spotting expedition. Rather, it's a proper functioning church where locals come to worship. If you're staying at Somerset Glamping nearby, it's absolutely worth a walk over, though don't expect a lengthy visit. Allow thirty minutes, perhaps an hour if you're genuinely interested in the architecture.

Go midweek if you want the place to yourself. The real appeal here is the quiet - it's restorative rather than spectacular. Not every church needs to be a tourist destination, and that's rather refreshing.