St Michael

The church sits quietly on the edge of Othery, a village that hasn't changed much in centuries. St Michael is exactly what you'd expect from a Somerset parish church - all flint and stone, with a tower that's been keeping watch over the levels since medieval times. Inside, the space is cool and still, the kind of place where you notice the quality of light through old glass. There are some decent monuments dotted about, and if you're into that sort of thing, the woodwork repays a proper look.

It's really the sort of place walkers stumble upon rather than specifically drive to. If you're based at Thorney Lakes, a few miles away, and fancy a gentle morning amble across the Somerset countryside, St Michael makes a decent focal point for a walk. You'll get more out of it if you know something about church architecture or local history - it's not the kind of spot that'll keep kids entertained for long. Twenty minutes inside, maybe, then you're done.

The building itself feels genuinely old and well-maintained rather than over-restored, which is refreshing. Come early in the day if you can - there's something about these places before they warm up. Just check it's actually open before you go - opening hours aren't always obvious, and you don't want to arrive with your nose pressed against the doors.