St John the Baptist's Parish Church in Layer de la Haye

The church sits quietly in Layer de la Haye, a village most people drive straight through on the way to somewhere else. What makes St John the Baptist worth stopping for is the sheer age of the place - parts of it date back to the 12th century, which means it was standing here long before the Essex countryside became what it is today.

Inside, you'll find the sort of details that reward a slow wander: medieval wall paintings, a decent font, timber roof work that's held up remarkably well. It's not vast or flashy. The appeal is straightforward - it's a proper working parish church with genuine history written into its walls, not a museum piece.

Layered into a coastal holiday around Colchester and the Dengie Peninsula, this works well as a quiet half-hour stop rather than a destination in itself. Families with older kids who can manage a bit of church-spotting will get something out of it. Walkers and history types absolutely will. Younger children will probably fidget within ten minutes.

With West Mersea Holiday Park and Mersea Barns Glamping both within easy reach - five to six miles away - you could slot this into a morning before heading out to the beaches or the estuary. The village itself is small, so don't expect cafes or facilities. Check with Colchester tourist information for current opening hours before visiting, as they vary by season and sometimes lock up during the week.