St Monica's

The moment you step into St Monica's, you're struck by how quietly it sits in Devon's landscape - no fuss, no crowds, just solid stone and centuries of worship. This is a working parish church near Plymouth, the sort of place locals know but tourists often miss while chasing bigger attractions along the coast.

What you get is authentic: Victorian architecture with proper character, the kind of interior that makes you pause without needing to be a history buff. The light through the windows does most of the heavy lifting, honestly. It's free to visit, which is how it should be, and you can pop in whenever the doors are open - no lengthy admission queues or entrance fees to negotiate.

This works best if you're already in the area exploring Plymouth itself or staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Hidden Hill Devon, which sits just three miles away and offers a proper contrast - all hot tubs and luxury beside this understated spiritual space. Or if you're based at South Devon Camping over at Lower Terawhiti Farm, you're well positioned for a quiet morning visit before heading elsewhere.

Families with older kids won't find it boring if they appreciate old buildings. Younger children might fidget after ten minutes. Walkers passing through Devon will find it a worthwhile detour - give it thirty minutes, no more. It's the sort of place that rewards being found rather than sought out deliberately. Not everything needs to be a production.