St Matthew's Church, Croydon

The main parish church of Croydon has sat on the High Street for centuries, though what you see today is largely Victorian restoration work. It's a proper working church rather than a museum piece, which means the interior has that lived-in quality - real flowers on the altar, worn pews, the sort of place where people actually gather for weddings and funerals.

Architecturally it's got some decent bones. The tower is reasonably impressive and the chancel rewards a closer look if you're into that sort of thing. You'll spot some decent monuments and memorials if heraldry and inscriptions speak to you. It's not going to blow you away like a cathedral would, but it's solid Surrey ecclesiastical architecture.

Worth stopping in if you're already in Croydon town centre - it takes maybe twenty minutes to have a proper wander around. The real pull here is context rather than spectacle. It works best for history-minded types or anyone tracing local roots. Families with restless kids won't find much to hold their attention.

If you're staying at Milberry Green Meadows near Warlingham, it's only about five miles back towards town, so easily combined with a shopping trip or a walk around the town itself. Pop in during the day - churches in town centres tend to be open during daylight hours, though it's worth checking ahead. Free entry, no drama.