St Mary the Virgin Church, Offwell

You'll spot St Mary the Virgin Church sitting quietly in Offwell, just outside Honiton - a proper medieval parish church that rewards anyone willing to leave the main road behind. The building itself dates back centuries, with that satisfying mix of Norman stonework and later additions that tells you this place has survived everything Devon could throw at it.

Inside, the church is modest but genuine. There's a real sense of continuous worship here rather than the polished heritage-site feel you get elsewhere. The chancel and nave are where most visitors spend their time, and the carved details repay closer inspection if you're into that sort of thing. It's not the biggest draw - you won't spend hours here - but that's rather the point. This is a working church in a working village, not a tourist attraction dressed up as one.

Families with young children might find it a quick ten-minute stop rather than a full outing. But if you're staying at Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping nearby and fancy a proper walk through the Devon countryside, the church makes a decent destination. The approach through Offwell itself is pleasant enough, and there's something quite satisfying about finding an actual functioning medieval church instead of another visitor centre.

Allow half an hour if you're taking your time and reading the memorials. Go early on a weekday to avoid the rare tour group. It's free to enter, and worth the diversion if you're exploring the Honiton area rather than a wasted journey.