St Lawrence's Church, Flaxton

The church sits quietly in the village of Flaxton, a proper medieval survivor that's worth a diversion if you're staying nearby. St Lawrence's has the sort of low stone walls and simple charm that make you realise how many of these parish churches just get on with things, century after century, without much fuss.

What you get is a straightforward look at English church architecture from the 13th century onwards - the kind of place where the history feels genuine rather than polished for visitors. The interior is modest but genuine: you'll spot the old stonework, the kind of details that make sense once you're actually standing there rather than reading about them.

Historically minded types will appreciate it more than most. It's not a showstopper like the Minster back in York, but that's rather the point - this is the real working church that served the village for centuries. The walk around Flaxton itself is pleasant enough if you've got time.

For families based at Bugthorpe Grange Glamping just down the road, it's a sensible add-on to a countryside walk rather than a destination in itself. You won't need more than 20 minutes inside, though the churchyard's worth a potter around. No admission fee, no faffing about with opening hours - just a village church that's genuinely open to visitors. Best visited on a clear day when the light comes through properly.