St James's church

The chancel roof alone is worth the visit. St James's Church sits quietly in Herefordshire, a proper medieval survivor with enough architectural detail to keep history buffs occupied for a good hour. The interior has that particular smell of old stone and furniture polish that you only get in churches that have been working for centuries, not playing at it.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick tick-off. Look up at the roof timbers, check the windows for any original glass, study whatever monuments line the walls. If you've got kids who can manage a bit of quiet time, they might enjoy the hunt for carved details in the stonework. Teenagers? Less likely unless they're into Gothic architecture.

Located near Hereford, it sits well within striking distance of several glamping spots if you're basing yourself in the area. Goytree Glamping and Grove Farm are both within a couple of miles, so you could easily combine a church visit with a morning walk and be back for lunch. The Offas Dyke Retreat at 4.3 miles would work too if you're planning a longer day exploring the wider landscape.

Bring a torch if you visit on a grey day - these older churches can be dim inside. No admission charge, naturally. Allow 45 minutes to an hour, or longer if you're the type to photograph every capital and corbel. Worth the detour if you're already in the area, though it's not the kind of thing to drive across the county for.