St Mary the Virgin, Winnersh

The church sits tucked away in Winnersh, a village that most people drive straight through without noticing. St Mary the Virgin is one of those churches that rewards the detour - medieval bones with later additions, the sort of building that tells the story of England in stone and timber.

Inside, the nave is properly atmospheric. There's decent stained glass, though nothing that will make you gasp, and the chancel has some lovely details if you spend a moment looking. The real appeal is in simply being there - it's quiet, genuinely peaceful, and the kind of place where you can sit on a pew and actually hear yourself think. That's increasingly rare.

Historically minded visitors will find it worth stopping for, though it's not a major draw in itself. Walking groups passing through Wokingham area might add it to a route. Families with young kids won't get much from it unless they're the sort of children who appreciate old buildings - expect maybe twenty minutes, then off to somewhere with more energy.

If you're camping at Scotlands House or Wellington Country Park nearby, St Mary makes for a gentle hour's outing. The village itself is unremarkable, but the church has genuine character. Free access is typical for these parish churches, though do check locally. Go on a sunny afternoon when the light comes through the windows properly - that's when it's best.