St John's Church, Peasedown St John

The stone walls of St John's Church have been standing in Peasedown St John since medieval times, and stepping inside feels like walking into several centuries at once. It's a proper working parish church rather than a museum piece - you'll find real worshippers here alongside the occasional tourist curious about its history.

The church itself is unpretentious. There's genuine medieval work in the fabric of the building, though like most village churches it's been tweaked and restored over the centuries. If you're into ecclesiastical architecture you'll spot the usual markers - the font, the chance, the bell tower. If you're not, it's still a peaceful spot to sit for ten minutes and understand what mattered to people living in this Somerset corner.

It works best for anyone with a genuine interest in church history or those doing a bit of village exploration on foot. Not really a destination in itself - more the kind of place you visit because you're already in the area. The nearest proper town is Mells, which has its own charm and is worth combining with this visit.

Admission is almost certainly free since it's a functioning parish church, though opening hours aren't advertised so you might find it locked. A quick phone call ahead to the church itself would sort that. If you're staying at Glamping on the Hill nearby, it's barely five miles away and makes for a gentle morning walk if the weather's decent. Allow twenty minutes inside unless you're really keen on the detail.