St Nicholas

The church sits quietly on its own in the Berkshire countryside, a modest medieval structure that rewards the effort of finding it. St Nicholas isn't the sort of place you'll stumble upon by accident - the nearest settlement is Botswicky Copse, and frankly, getting there requires a bit of determination. Once you do arrive, though, there's something rather affecting about its isolation.

Inside, the proportions are intimate rather than grand. You'll find medieval wall paintings, timber framing, and the kind of architectural details that reveal themselves slowly if you're paying attention. It's the sort of church where you notice things - the angle of light through old glass, the worn flagstones, the way centuries have left their mark on the stonework.

This is firmly for the quiet contemplation crowd rather than families wanting a two-hour itinerary. History types and walkers who don't mind a bit of countryside navigation will find it worthwhile. Allow 30 to 45 minutes if you're thorough, less if you're just passing through.

If you're based at Lorne Hill Farm - a five-mile drive away - it makes a decent detour during a park holiday, particularly if you're combining it with walks across the surrounding Berkshire landscape. It won't dominate your day, but it's the kind of stop that lingers in memory more than the obvious attractions often do.