St Mary Magdalene

The tower of St Mary Magdalene catches you first - a proper Somerset perpendicular affair that rises above Crewkerne's roofline with real authority. Step inside and you're met with that familiar church smell: cold stone, old wood, something ancient in the air itself.

It's a working parish church, so expect pews, a decent chancel, and the kind of stained glass that rewards a closer look. The building dates back centuries, though like most churches of this age it's been fiddled with repeatedly. There's real craft in the stonework if you bother to look up.

Who gets the most from it? History types, certainly. Church enthusiasts will find it solid rather than spectacular - it's good bones but not a showstopper. If you're into architecture and have an afternoon free in Crewkerne, it's absolutely worth a wander. Not a destination in itself, but a proper stop if you're exploring the town properly.

Free to visit, as far as such places go. You'll need ten minutes minimum, though if you're the sort who reads every dedication and examines Victorian repairs, an hour disappears easily. Check locally for opening times - village churches keep odd hours.

If you're staying at Thorney Lakes nearby, it's a straightforward drive into Crewkerne town centre. Pair it with a proper mooch around the high street and a decent lunch. The church works best as part of a proper village exploration, not a tick-box moment.