St Germans Priory

The moment you walk into St Germans Priory, you're confronted with something properly grand - a Norman church that's been standing since the 12th century, complete with a tower that dominates the little village near Widegates. This isn't a ruin you have to squint at; it's a working parish church with enough architectural detail to keep history buffs occupied for a good hour or more.

The interior is where it gets interesting. You'll find yourself surrounded by period stonework, impressive arches, and the kind of craftsmanship that reminds you why medieval builders actually knew what they were doing. There's a real sense of time in here - not in a gloomy way, but in the way light falls through the windows and hits centuries-old stone.

It's ideal if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Lydcott Glamping or Waterside at Tregoad - close enough for a half-day visit without faffing about with long drives. Families with older kids will get more out of it than toddlers; this is about architecture and history rather than activities. The village itself is quiet, which is either exactly what you want or a bit dull depending on your mood.

Head there on a bright day if you can. The light makes the interior far more interesting than on grey afternoons. Allow a solid hour if you're actually taking time to look rather than just popping in for five minutes.