St John the Baptist Church

The church sits quietly in Christchurch, a solid stone building that's been standing since medieval times. St John the Baptist isn't flashy - there's no soaring Gothic drama here - but that's rather the point. The interior has genuine character: old timber, flagstones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, and the kind of light that only comes through ancient glass.

It's genuinely free to visit, which is always welcome. You'll need maybe thirty minutes to look around properly, longer if you're into church architecture and want to read the memorials. The churchyard itself is worth a wander - quiet, with proper old graves.

This works best for history types and anyone who appreciates a proper parish church. Kids will probably get bored unless yours are the sort who enjoy a bit of exploring and spotting old carved dates on the walls. It's not a showstopper on its own, but it's absolutely the kind of place to drop into when you're based nearby.

If you're staying at Adhurst Yurts or Feather Down Manor Farm - both excellent choices, by the way - the church is practically on your doorstep. Even from New Forest National Park base camps, it's only twenty minutes away. Pair it with a proper walk through Christchurch town itself, which has medieval priory ruins and decent enough pubs. Worth the visit when you're in the area, even if it's just for half an hour between other things.