St Johns Church

The church sits on the high street in Kenilworth, a solid medieval structure that most visitors walk straight past on their way to the castle. But St Johns is properly worth ten minutes of your time - it's got real character and a handful of things that make the detour worthwhile. The interior is typical of the period: stone columns, stained glass that's seen better days, and that particular cold quiet that old churches do so well. What catches you is the sense that this place has genuinely been used for centuries. This isn't a museum piece.

It's free to wander in during daylight hours, and it makes a natural break if you're exploring Kenilworth itself. The castle dominates the town, obviously, but if you're camping at Warwick Racecourse or any of the parks dotted around this area - Knight's Village is practically on the castle doorstep - St Johns gives you a feel for how ordinary people worshipped whilst the nobles were building their fortifications. Kids won't be gripped for long, but it's a five-minute walk that adds texture to an afternoon. History types will appreciate the continuity - this building has seen the lot. Go midweek if you can. Sundays bring services, which changes the atmosphere entirely. Winter light through the windows is particularly good, though the cold does bite a bit.