St Nectan's Church

The churchyard sits right on the edge of the Devon-Cornwall border near Hartland, a proper windswept spot where you can almost taste the Atlantic. St Nectan's is a 14th-century church dedicated to a Welsh saint - grey stone, weathered by centuries of coastal gales, with a tower that's been a landmark for sailors for longer than most of us have been alive.

Inside, it's all medieval charm: low wooden ceilings, worn flagstones, and that peculiar smell of old churches everywhere - candle wax, dust, and time. The churchyard itself is wild and overgrown in the best possible way, with views towards Hartland Point that'll stop you mid-walk. It's free to visit, and you can spend as long as you like poking around the graves and soaking in the atmosphere.

This is absolutely worth it if you're into ecclesiastical history or just want a moment's peace away from the seaside crowds. Don't expect coffee shops or gift shops - there aren't any. It's just you, the church, and the wind. Families with older kids will appreciate it; under-tens might find it bit dull after ten minutes unless they're into graveyards.

Stay at Coastal Cabins Glamping just 1.6 miles away and you're perfectly positioned for exploring both the church and the dramatic Hartland coastline. The drive from Bideford takes about 20 minutes. Go on a clear day if you can - the light through those old stone windows is something else.