St Mary the Virgin

The church sits right in Ilfracombe town centre, a proper Victorian-era rebuild of something much older. Step inside and you'll find the usual suspects - high ceilings, stained glass that catches the light nicely, and that particular smell of old stone and polish that never quite leaves church interiors. It's the sort of place locals walk past daily without thinking, but visitors often find it a quiet refuge from the seafront bustle.

St Mary the Virgin works best if you're already in Ilfracombe rather than a dedicated detour. Ten minutes inside is plenty unless you're genuinely interested in Victorian ecclesiastical architecture. The churchyard itself offers a bit of breathing room, which is useful when the town gets rammed with summer tourists.

Families with young kids might struggle unless they're the patient sort - there's nothing interactive happening here. History enthusiasts will appreciate the bones of the building, even if most of what you see dates from the 1800s. Walkers using Ilfracombe as a base before heading to nearby Watersmeet or exploring the coastal path will find it a convenient stop.

If you're staying at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat or Wolf Wood Treehouses nearby, both within a mile, it's worth a quick visit on a rainy afternoon. Just check opening times before you go - churches aren't always open to casual visitors. Admission is likely free, as it is with most parish churches, but do leave a donation if you can.