St Mary's Church - Dunsford

The churchyard at St Mary's sits quietly on the edge of Dunsford, a village that feels properly removed from the Exeter sprawl despite being just a few miles south. Inside, it's all medieval timber and worn stone - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which is rarer than it should be.

What draws people here isn't one showstopper feature but the accumulated weight of centuries. The church itself dates back to the 15th century, with plenty of the original work still visible if you look up. The stained glass is decent without being spectacular, and there's enough carving and detail to keep anyone interested in church architecture occupied for a good half-hour.

Local history types will find this worthwhile, particularly if you're spending time exploring the Exe Valley - the church sits right in the landscape rather than feeling bolted on as an afterthought. Families with young kids might struggle with more than twenty minutes here unless they're genuinely keen on old buildings. Walkers pass through regularly on routes between Dunsford and the surrounding countryside, which is the real draw for most visitors.

Access is straightforward and free. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so come prepared. If you're based at Sunsets & Marshmallows Glamping or Barley Meadow Touring Park nearby, it makes for a gentle afternoon detour rather than a destination in itself. The village itself is small but has a pub worth knowing about.