St Martin

St Martin sits quietly in the Cornish landscape, a medieval church that stops you cold the moment you round the corner. The tower catches your eye first - sturdy, grey, utterly unadorned. Inside, the space feels lived-in rather than museum-like, which is exactly what you want from a 600-year-old parish church.

You'll find the usual stone arches and pale light through clear glass, but what matters here is the calm. No crowds, no gift shop, no recorded commentary. Just you and whoever else has wandered in that day. The church rewards a proper look around - spend twenty minutes tracing the stonework or sitting in a pew and you'll understand why these places have endured.

History buffs and walkers get the most from St Martin. It's the sort of spot you'd loop into a longer route across the Cornish countryside rather than visit in isolation. If you're staying at The Secret Garden Glamping nearby, it's a genuinely pleasant two-mile walk or a five-minute drive.

Admission is free - as it should be. Opening hours tend to be flexible for small churches like this, so don't rely on visiting at a particular time. Early morning or late afternoon tends to work best if you want the place to yourself. Allow thirty minutes, though you could comfortably spend longer if the mood takes you.