St Matthew's Church : Withernsea

The red-brick Victorian tower of St Matthew's rises above the flat East Yorkshire landscape like a proper maritime landmark. Built in 1822, it's part church, part lighthouse - designed to guide fishing boats back to Withernsea harbour. Walk inside and you'll find the nave surprisingly intimate despite the grand exterior, with light streaming through tall windows that face the sea.

It's less about the elaborate decoration and more about the working-class maritime history embedded in the walls. You'll spot plaques remembering lost fishermen, memorials that tell you as much about life in a seaside town as any guidebook could. The atmosphere feels lived-in rather than museumified.

History buffs and anyone interested in Victorian seaside communities will get genuine value from an hour here. Kids might find the tower bit interesting if you can access it - the views across the town are worth the climb. Families staying at Parkdean Resorts Withernsea Sands, just half a mile away, could easily slot this into a morning before hitting the beach. Little Otchan Glamping and Sand le Mere Holiday Park are also close enough for a quick visit between other activities.

Admission is typically free. Go on a clear day when the light catches the brickwork properly - grey afternoons flatten the charm of the building. Allow 45 minutes if you're just looking round, longer if you want to sit and read the memorials properly. It's an honest piece of English coastal heritage, no pretence about it.