St James the Great, Paulerspury

The churchyard sits quiet at the edge of Paulerspury village, a few miles south of Towcester, and St James the Great announces itself with a sturdy tower that's been keeping watch since medieval times. Inside, you'll find decent Perpendicular Gothic work - solid rather than showy - with some original features that reward a proper look around if you're into church architecture. The real appeal here isn't grandeur; it's the sense of a place that's been doing its job for centuries, serving the same community generation after generation.

This works best for anyone spending time at one of the nearby campsites - Windmill Farm, Hamilton Fields, or Silverstone Farm are all within a couple of miles - who fancies a gentle walk and a bit of local history. Don't expect to spend hours here. Twenty minutes to half an hour takes in the interior comfortably, then you're on your way. It's the sort of stop that makes sense between other activities rather than a destination in itself.

The churchyard itself is the real draw - peaceful, with proper old gravestones and plenty of shade. Bring a notebook if you're into brass rubbings or local genealogy; otherwise, it's a quiet spot to stretch your legs after driving. The village itself is small and rural, which is rather the point. If you're camping nearby and want to explore what's around you without travelling far, this ticks the box. Free to visit, no faffing about with opening hours - that's how village churches work.