St Mary's Church, Kenardington

The church sits quietly at the edge of Kenardington, a small village south of Ashford that most people drive straight through without noticing. St Mary's is the sort of place that rewards a stop if you're in the area - nothing flashy, but genuinely worth fifteen minutes of your time.

It's a medieval parish church with a proper Saxon tower, which is the real draw. The tower dates back roughly a thousand years, which puts most things in perspective. Inside, the church has kept much of its original character - the kind of space where you can almost hear the centuries. The chancel and nave are older still, and there's a pleasant simplicity about the whole thing. No velvet ropes or audio guides, just honest stone and history.

This appeals most to church explorers and local history types rather than families after a full afternoon out. If you're staying at Wheatfields Luxury Glamping or Wildside Camping and Glamping - both excellent spots just a few miles away - it makes sense to include it as part of a quiet morning drive around the Ashford area. You won't spend long inside, but the walk around the churchyard is pleasant enough.

Admission is usually free for these village churches, though opening hours can be irregular. Best to arrive during daylight and don't rely on finding it open mid-week. It's the kind of stop that breaks up a park holiday nicely without demanding much time or energy.