St Giles, Church

Walk up the sloping High Street in Sidmouth and you'll spot the tower of St Giles rising above the Georgian red-brick townhouses. It's a proper medieval parish church, all stone and history, sitting right at the heart of this seaside town like it's been keeping watch for centuries. The interior is genuinely striking - soaring columns, a good roof, and enough stained glass to keep you occupied for a proper look around.

Most visitors who drift in are either locals popping in for a quiet moment or holiday-makers sheltering from a sudden Devon downpour. It won't eat up much of your day - twenty minutes to half an hour covers the lot - but it's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander. Families with restless kids might find it a bit dull unless they're into spotting carved roof bosses and Victorian memorials. History types will get more mileage from it.

The church appears to be free to enter during daylight hours, though specific opening times aren't advertised anywhere obvious. It's basically there whenever you fancy a look, which is refreshingly low-key.

Stays at Oakdown Touring just two miles out are ideal for exploring Sidmouth's centre on foot - St Giles sits conveniently en route to the seafront and town shops. Cuckoo Down Farm's glamping option at four miles gives you the same easy access without the caravan-park vibe. It's more a pleasant half-hour diversion than a main event, but sometimes those unscheduled discoveries make the best holiday memories.