St Michaels and All Angels Church

The church sits right in the heart of Sidmouth's conservation area, a striking Victorian Gothic structure that stops you dead in your tracks the moment you round the corner. St Michaels and All Angels wasn't built until the 1840s - relatively recent by church standards - but it's got far more character than many medieval predecessors.

What makes it worth a visit is the interior. The red sandstone work, the stained glass, and the sheer attention to detail in the Victorian craftsmanship remind you why people bothered spending proper money on buildings back then. You'll spend a good twenty minutes in here if you actually look at things, longer if you're into ecclesiastical architecture.

It's the sort of place that appeals to anyone with even a passing interest in Victorian design or local history. Families with older kids might appreciate the peaceful escape from Sidmouth's seafront chaos, though younger children will probably find it dull after a few minutes. There's no entry charge - it's a working parish church, so you can wander in during daylight hours, though it's worth checking opening times before you make the trip down.

If you're staying at Beer Head Holiday Park, it's only a short drive into Sidmouth town centre. The church works best as a quick cultural stop between beach time and a proper look around the town's Georgian terraces. Don't expect to spend hours here, but it's absolutely worth the diversion.