St John the Baptist's Church

The church sits at the heart of Richmond, commanding the high street with its impressive medieval tower. You'll spot it from nearly everywhere in town - that's the point, really. Built over centuries, St John the Baptist's is a working parish church that's been here since the Norman period, though most of what you see dates from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Walking inside is quiet and surprisingly intimate. The stone work is proper striking, and there's enough detail to keep anyone interested for a good twenty minutes - carved fonts, stained glass, the sort of thing that rewards a slow look. The tower itself is exceptional if you can get up there, though do check ahead whether climbs are on that day.

This works best if you're already exploring Richmond itself, which is worth half a day on any North Yorkshire trip. History enthusiasts will get the most from spending time here, reading the wall monuments and getting a sense of how the town was shaped. Kids under ten will likely get restless unless you make a game of it.

Entry is typically free for a visit, though donations keep the place running. Allow 30-45 minutes if you're thorough. If you're based at Hewn Yorkshire just down the road, this is literally a 15-minute walk - brilliant for a morning before tackling the wider area. The church pairs well with Richmond's castle and Georgian streets, making a compact cultural morning before heading to the surrounding parks.