St James's Church

The church sits quietly on the edge of Thatcham, a sturdy medieval structure that most people hurry past without a second glance. St James's is one of those places that rewards the curious - the sort of building that tells you far more about a town's history than any heritage plaque ever could.

Inside, you get proper medieval carpentry, the kind of craftsmanship that makes you wonder how the roof's still standing after 500-odd years. The chancel's worth a look if you're into ecclesiastical detail, and there's enough brass and stone to keep history buffs occupied for half an hour. It's not flashy - no soaring vaults or stained glass theatrics - but that's rather the point. This is honest, working church architecture.

Realistically, you're looking at twenty minutes here unless you're seriously into medieval masonry or local genealogy. Families with restless kids won't get much mileage out of it. It's the sort of place you slot into a walk round Thatcham itself, not a destination trip.

If you're based at Lorne Hill Farm nearby, it's a gentle wander into town and back - worth doing on a Sunday morning if the doors happen to be open. Just don't expect crowds or visitor facilities. Bring your own knowledge or a decent church guidebook, because the locals won't be running a gift shop.