St Michael and All Angels Church, Mount Dinham

Perched on Mount Dinham above Exeter, this church commands one of the finest views across the city you'll find without climbing a hillside. St Michael and All Angels sits at the top of a proper steep walk from the centre - your legs will remind you on the way up, but the reward is substantial.

The church itself dates back centuries, all dark stone and solid Devon character. Inside, there's the usual ecclesiastical appeal - medieval architecture, stained glass, that particular smell of old wood and stone that either soothes you or leaves you cold depending on your taste. What matters most is the location. On a clear afternoon, you can see right across Exeter's patchwork of roofs and the countryside spreading beyond.

It's worth the trek if you're a walker or architecture enthusiast, though I won't pretend everyone will make the effort for a church interior alone. The real draw is the journey itself and that moment when the city suddenly opens out beneath you. Bring decent shoes - those final yards are steep and can be slippery after rain.

If you're staying at Devon Heaven Hideaways just outside the city, this makes an excellent half-day excursion. Park in Exeter centre and walk it properly, or drive closer if you prefer. Allow an hour for the church and views, longer if you're taking photographs. Best visited mid-morning when light's good and crowds are thin.