St. Gabriel's Church

The small flint church sitting just outside Reading has the sort of quiet dignity you don't often find in busy commuter country. St. Gabriel's dates back centuries, and stepping through the door feels like stepping properly out of the 21st century - low ceilings, ancient stonework, the whole lot.

It's genuinely worth a visit if you're into ecclesiastical architecture or just fancy a moment of peace. The flint work on the exterior is lovely, and inside there's enough detail to keep history buffs occupied without feeling like you need a PhD to appreciate it. Most people will spend 20 minutes having a proper look around, maybe half an hour if you're reading the plaques.

The main thing to know is that opening hours aren't always predictable with smaller rural churches - you might find it locked, you might not. Best bet is to ring ahead or turn up at a Sunday service if you're really keen. Admission is free when you do get in.

If you're staying at Ravenswing Park, the church makes for a decent Sunday morning walk before breakfast. It's close enough to reach without much faffing about, and combined with a wander round the surrounding lanes you've got a couple of hours' decent time on your hands. Reading's right there if you need shops or lunch afterwards.