St Ive Church

The churchyard at St Ive sits tucked away in rural Cornwall, a few miles inland from Widegates, and it's the kind of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. The church itself is modest - a Grade II listed building with a solid, no-nonsense Cornish granite exterior that's weathered centuries without fuss. Inside, there's genuine medieval work: the font is particularly good, and the roof timbers tell you someone knew what they were doing back when these things actually mattered.

It's worth an hour's wander if you're into church architecture or local history, though it won't consume your afternoon. The graveyard is peaceful rather than dramatic, and the surrounding countryside is proper lovely for a gentle stroll. Children won't find much to hold their attention unless they're already keen on old buildings, but it's a decent leg-stretch on a park holiday.

The location works well if you're based at Sunnyside Eco Glamping or Lydcott Glamping - both within easy driving distance - and you want to break up time between coastal walks and beach days. Check ahead on opening times as access can be limited, and there's no formal car park, so arrive early if you're visiting on a weekend. Free admission, naturally, as these rural churches usually are. It's the kind of spot that rewards those who slow down, not the ones racing through a tourist checklist.