St John the Baptist, Church

The church sits on a quiet lane just outside Buckingham, all golden stone and purposeful architecture. St John the Baptist announces itself gradually - you won't see it until you're nearly upon it, which is rather the point. Built and rebuilt over centuries, it's got that particular English church mix of Norman foundations, medieval additions, and Victorian restoration work that somehow still feels honest.

Inside, there's proper stained glass - the sort that makes you stop and look rather than just glance. The nave is high and light, with decent proportions. If you care about church architecture or just want somewhere quiet and substantial to spend twenty minutes, it delivers. The churchyard itself is the kind of place where locals actually walk, not just a tourist photo stop.

This works best for people who enjoy old buildings full stop - architecture enthusiasts, history types, anyone who likes their afternoons slow. Kids will tolerate it for five minutes max unless they're genuinely interested. It's free to wander in, though opening hours depend on the vicar's schedule, so don't bank on it if you're passing through Buckingham on a specific day.

If you're camping at Embers Camping just down the road near Claydon, you've got this on your doorstep for a morning walk before breakfast. Combine it with a proper poke around Buckingham town centre - there's enough there to make an afternoon of it without overdoing things. The church alone isn't a reason to visit the area, but it's exactly the kind of worthwhile stop that makes a regional holiday proper rather than rushed.