St Mary Magdelene Church Bildeston

The flint church sits quietly in the middle of Bildeston village, a proper Suffolk gem that stops you in your tracks. The exterior is all medieval flint and stone, with a tower that's been watching over this corner of Suffolk since the 14th century. Inside, the light filters through old windows and hits the nave in a way that makes you understand why people still come here.

It's the sort of place history enthusiasts will spend a solid hour poking around - there's decent medieval work if you know what to look for, and the brass plaques tell you stories about people who've lived and died in this village for centuries. Kids might find it a bit much unless they're into spotting gargoyles and climbing bell tower stairs, but families who like a gentle wander through proper countryside churches will get something out of it.

Bildeston itself is about four miles east of Colchester, so it slots nicely into a weekend exploring this part of Suffolk. The village is small enough that you can do the church, grab a look around the green, and still have the afternoon free for the parks in the area - Apple Mount Retreat is close by if you're after somewhere to base yourself.

There's no charge to go in, and you can rock up pretty much anytime to have a look round. Go early morning if you can - the light's better, and you'll have the place to yourself.