St Mary's

Stone walls that have weathered nearly nine centuries stand testament to medieval devotion in this Saxon church just outside Dorchester. St Mary's feels properly ancient, with its Norman doorway and fragments of 12th-century stonework telling stories that predate the nearby market town by generations.

History buffs will find plenty to pore over here - the church register dates back to 1538, and there are some decent medieval wall paintings if you know where to look. The tower's worth a glance too, though it's the sense of continuity that really strikes you. Services still happen here most Sundays.

Families might find it a bit dry unless the kids are keen on old buildings, but it makes a reasonable stop if you're exploring the Dorchester area. Takes about 20 minutes to have a proper look around, and parking's straightforward enough.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Golden Cap Holiday Park or Freshwater Beach Holiday Park? It's an easy detour on your way into Dorchester for supplies, and pairs nicely with the town's Roman connections if you're doing a historical tour of the area. The contrast between Saxon simplicity and Roman grandeur makes for an interesting day out.