St Mary's

You'll find St Mary's tucked away in Cambridgeshire, a proper medieval church that rewards a visit if you're staying at Ferry Meadows or Nene Outdoors nearby. The building itself is worth an hour of your time - stone work, stained glass, the usual ecclesiastical details that tell you this place has been standing for centuries. The interior has that particular smell old churches have, all mustiness and candle wax, which some people love and others find a bit much.

Historically minded types will get more from it than most. There's genuine medieval architecture here, not the Victorian rebuild you get in a lot of parish churches. Kids might find it interesting for ten minutes if you've got the storyteller in you, but it's not a theme park - it's quiet, contemplative, and genuinely peaceful.

The real draw is using it as part of a broader wander around the Peterborough area. If you're based at Ferry Meadows - which is genuinely excellent for families with its lakes and walking trails - St Mary's makes a sensible afternoon detour. Don't expect any facilities at the church itself. Opening hours can be a bit unpredictable with smaller churches, so ring ahead or check the door notice. Peterborough itself is only a few miles away and has decent facilities if you need lunch after.

Worth the drive? If you're passing through the area and like older buildings, absolutely. Don't go out of your way specially, but it slots nicely into a day exploring the Nene Valley.