St Mary, Watton

The church sits quietly at the heart of Watton, a village that feels properly removed from the usual tourist trail - which is precisely why you should go. St Mary is a solid piece of medieval craftsmanship, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think, unlike the crowded cathedral experiences you get elsewhere in Yorkshire.

Inside, there's real character: decent stonework, some appealing windows, and the sort of peaceful atmosphere that makes you forget about your phone for twenty minutes. It's not dramatically ornate, but it doesn't pretend to be. The church works best if you're a proper history type or someone who genuinely enjoys poking around quiet parish churches without the crowds. Children might find it a bit slow unless they're already into that sort of thing.

Being just outside Beverley, Watton sits nicely for a broader park holiday. You can base yourself at Greengrass Park or Kingfisher Lakes - both solid options - and use St Mary as a gentle break between longer walks or visits to bigger attractions in the area. It's the kind of stop you don't plan on, but end up glad you made.

Allowance-wise, give yourself thirty minutes if you're going inside. The village itself is worth a wander too. Best visited in decent weather when you can appreciate the churchyard without getting soaked.