St Nicholas Church, Combe Raleigh

The medieval tower of St Nicholas Church rises unexpectedly from the quiet village of Combe Raleigh, about three miles south of Honiton. It's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than deliberately seek out - which is rather the point.

Inside, there's real character. The church dates back centuries, with that particular Devon stone construction that weathers to a soft grey. The interior is modest but genuine - no corporate heritage site polish here, just a working parish church with the architectural bones you'd expect from the period. The tower is genuinely impressive if you get the chance to see it up close.

This works best for people who actually like old churches rather than those ticking off a tourist checklist. Walking enthusiasts heading through the Devon countryside will find it worth a brief detour. It's the kind of spot that rewards a quiet ten minutes, a cup of tea from a flask, and a read of the visitor book.

Honestly, don't make a special trip from Honiton unless you're already walking the lanes roundabout. But if you're staying at somewhere like Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping nearby and fancy a gentle countryside wander, this is exactly the sort of genuine, unpretentious stop that makes a day in rural Devon rather special. Free admission as far as I can tell - these village churches generally are.