St James’s Church, Hampton Hill

The church sits quietly on the high street in Hampton Hill, just outside Walton-on-Thames, with an understated charm that most visitors speed past without noticing. St James's is a proper Victorian structure - all red brick and stone detailing - that does exactly what a parish church should do: it serves its community and opens its doors to anyone passing through.

Inside, you'll find the usual CofE furnishings and some decent stained glass, though it's not the sort of place that will keep you rooted to the spot for hours. The appeal lies more in what it represents - a snapshot of 19th-century suburban development when places like Hampton Hill were spreading outwards from London. If you're into local history or simply enjoy stepping into these architectural time capsules, it's worth a fifteen-minute detour.

The area works well if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Laleham Camping Club or Chertsey's sites are within easy reach - and fancy a gentle walk into the village centre. Walton-on-Thames itself has more to offer, with proper river walks and decent pubs, so don't let a single church dictate your itinerary. Open access times aren't guaranteed, so check locally, but admission is typically free. The real value comes from combining it with a wider explore of the Thames Valley area rather than treating it as a standalone outing.