St Mary's Church, Birkin

The small medieval church sits quietly in Birkin village, about five miles south of Selby, looking much as it must have done when it was first built in the 13th century. Step inside and you'll find yourself in a proper slice of Yorkshire ecclesiastical history - the sort of place where the stone floors have worn smooth from seven centuries of footsteps.

What makes St Mary's worth a detour is its collection of monuments and brasses, particularly the medieval tombs that tell you something about who mattered in this corner of North Yorkshire. The chancel has real character, and the windows - a mix of medieval glass fragments and later additions - cast lovely light across the nave depending on the time of day.

You're looking at maybe 30 to 45 minutes here, unless you're a serious brass rubber or medieval architecture enthusiast, in which case you could happily spend longer. It's free to enter and tends to be peaceful, which can't be said for every tourist spot. Families with restless children might find it a bit quiet, but anyone interested in local history or simply after a moment's calm will find it worthwhile.

If you're staying at Apple Blossom Caravan and Camping nearby, it's a manageable drive or bike ride away. Pair it with a walk around Selby town itself - the abbey is the main draw there - and you've got a decent morning sorted.