St Mary the Virgin, Weldon

The stone church sits quietly in Weldon village, a proper medieval structure that's easy to walk past if you're not looking. St Mary the Virgin dates back centuries and has the solid, no-nonsense feel of a working parish church rather than a museum piece. The interior rewards a proper look - there's decent medieval work here, and the kind of light that only comes through old stained glass on a clear day.

It's the sort of place where history types will spend a good twenty minutes examining the details, while families with younger kids might manage ten before restlessness sets in. The churchyard is pleasant enough for a wander if the weather's decent. There's no fuss, no entry fee as far as I can tell, and it's the type of village church that's simply there if you want to visit.

From either Brightside Caravan Park or New Lodge Farm just down the road, this makes a sensible five-minute detour on a wandering afternoon. Peterborough's close enough that you could easily combine it with other Northamptonshire stops. The village itself is small - don't expect shops or a pub right next to the church - but that's rather the point. If you're after a quiet spot and genuinely interested in medieval church architecture, the walk is worth it. If you're after bustle and activity, you'll be disappointed.