St James The Great, Thorley

The church sits quietly on the edge of Thorley, a village just outside Sawbridgeworth that most people drive straight through without noticing. St James The Great is one of those medieval parish churches that rewards the curious - the kind of place where you can actually spend time alone with the architecture rather than queuing behind school groups.

Inside, there's genuine medieval work: the chancel is 13th century, and you can spot the period details if you know what to look for - the mouldings, the proportions, the way light falls through old glass. The nave was rebuilt in the 15th century, which explains the wider, airier feel. It's not showy or overdone. Just solid, proper church architecture with real bones.

This is worth a visit if you're into ecclesiastical history or medieval building techniques, but be honest with yourself - it's not a day out in itself. It's a 20-minute stop between other things. The village of Thorley itself is fairly unremarkable, so pair it with a walk around the area rather than making it a destination.

If you're based at Toad Abode or The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake nearby, both are well-positioned for exploring Sawbridgeworth and the surrounding villages. The church makes a natural detour on a circular walk. Admission appears to be free - these village churches typically are - though opening hours aren't advertised, so you may need to check locally or try the nearby vicarage.