St Mary's Church, Udimore

Standing on the ridge above Udimore village, St Mary's Church commands views across the Romney Marsh that alone justify the short drive from Winchelsea. It's a proper medieval church, solid and unshowy, with enough architectural interest to keep history buffs occupied without feeling like a museum piece.

The interior has that particular smell - stone, old wood, time itself - that makes you walk quietly without being asked. There's decent Victorian restoration work (they didn't mess it up too badly), and if you're into Norman details or chancel woodwork, you'll find things to examine. The setting, though, is the real draw. The churchyard offers genuine quiet, the kind you don't get often, and the views across the Marsh toward Rye are extensive.

It's free to visit and you won't need more than thirty minutes unless you're sketching or doing serious photography. Families with young children might find twenty minutes sufficient - there's not much hands-on engagement, though the graveyard can interest them for a bit longer.

Parking is minimal but workable on the small road outside. If you're basing yourself at Winchelsea Sands or Coghurst Hall Holiday Park, this is a natural short excursion on a decent afternoon. Combine it with a walk around Winchelsea town itself or push on to Rye Harbour Holiday Park's coastal paths. Don't expect it to be a day's entertainment on its own, but it's worth thirty minutes if you're in the area.