St Mildred's Church, Canterbury

You'll find St Mildred's tucked away on St Mildred's Lane in Canterbury's medieval core, a proper slice of Saxon history that most visitors walk straight past on their way to the cathedral. This is one of England's oldest parish churches, with foundations going back to around 1000 AD, though what you see today is largely Norman and later medieval work. The interior is intimate rather than grand - narrow aisles, low ceilings, and that particular smell of centuries-old stone and wood that gets into your clothes. The chancel arch is particularly fine, and there's decent medieval glass if you know where to look.

It's worth an hour if you're already pottering around Canterbury's backstreets, which you absolutely should be. History buffs will appreciate the layers - you can practically read the centuries off the walls. Families with younger kids might find it a bit quiet and contemplative after ten minutes, but teenagers interested in medieval architecture will get more from it than yet another look at the famous cathedral.

The church is free to enter during daylight hours, though times vary with the seasons - best pop in during a weekday morning when it's peaceful. If you're staying at Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite, you're barely a mile away. It pairs brilliantly with a wander through the Precincts and the surrounding lanes. Canterbury Lodges and Glamping is handier if you want more comfort while exploring, and the extra walking distance means you'll actually discover parts of the city most tourists miss. Spring and autumn are lovely - fewer crowds, better light through the windows.