St Hilda's Church, Egton

The churchyard sits on a gentle slope above the village of Egton, just inland from Whitby, and St Hilda's itself is a solid stone building that's been doing its job since medieval times. Walk in and you get that particular smell - old stone, hymn books, and something indefinably peaceful. The interior is surprisingly light for a church of its age, with decent windows and a chancel that's been properly maintained without being fussy about it.

This is one for history types and anyone who appreciates proper ecclesiastical architecture. The walls have stories if you know how to read them - monuments, carved stonework, the sort of detail that rewards a slow look around. It's not a showstopper like some Yorkshire churches, but that's partly the appeal. You won't be jostled by coachloads here.

The walk from Egton village takes fifteen minutes or so, which is pleasant enough, and the churchyard itself offers decent views across the valley. Allow an hour if you're genuinely interested in the building's history, less if you're just popping in between other activities. There's nothing to buy, no cafe, no interpretation panels - just the church.

If you're based at Broadings Farm Caravan Site a few miles south, this makes a straightforward afternoon outing combined with a walk around Egton village. The coastal route to Whitby is only minutes away, so you could tack this onto a seaside day without any bother.