St Mary & St Peter's Church

The twin towers of St Mary & St Peter's rise above Sidmouth like a friendly pair of sentinels, and stepping inside this 14th-century church is genuinely worth an hour of your time. The interior has that proper sense of age - stone arches, worn flagstones, and light streaming through windows that have watched over the town for centuries. There's nothing overdone about it; just honest medieval craftsmanship and the kind of quiet you don't get anywhere else these days.

It's the sort of place that appeals to architecture buffs and anyone interested in how Devon's coastal communities actually lived, rather than tourists after Instagram moments. Families with children will find it peaceful rather than thrilling, but older kids fascinated by old buildings tend to perk up here. The churchyard itself is lovely for a wander if the weather's decent.

Admission is free, though donations are welcomed. Allow 30 to 45 minutes to look properly around, longer if you're the type to sit and absorb the atmosphere. Opening hours aren't formally published, but churches in Sidmouth are generally accessible during daylight - ring ahead if you're making a special trip.

If you're based at Oakdown or Ladram Bay, both just minutes away, this makes an easy morning call before heading to the seafront or exploring the Devon coastpath. Pairs well with Sidmouth's beach and the surrounding cliffs rather than filling a whole day on its own.