St Mary Magdalene Church

The tower of St Mary Magdalene rises above Crediton's market town in that distinctive Devon red sandstone, and stepping inside feels like wandering into several centuries at once. The church itself is a proper medieval job - 15th century mostly - with the kind of ornate roof screen you don't see everywhere, all intricate woodwork that catches the light beautifully. The interior's spacious and airy, which is rare for parish churches of this age. What strikes you is how lived-in it feels, not like a museum piece.

History types will spend a good hour picking over the monuments and memorials, though honestly some are easier to read than others after five centuries of wear. The church sits right in the heart of Crediton, so it's impossible to miss when you're walking through town, and the graveyard's pleasant enough for a wander if you've got time. Kids might find it a bit static unless they're already into looking at old stonework and brasses.

It's free to visit and you can usually get in during daylight hours, though obviously best to check with the town before you turn up. If you're staying at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park just outside Crediton, it's barely five miles away - easily a quick morning or afternoon outing alongside exploring the town's medieval market and local shops. Worth the detour if you're driving through Devon and have an hour to spare, though don't expect fireworks. It's a solid, genuine piece of local history rather than a showstopper.