St Nicholas

The Church of St Nicholas sits quietly on the edge of Beccles, a proper medieval building that speaks volumes if you know where to listen. Mostly 14th and 15th century, with a sturdy round tower that's distinctly Norfolk, it's the sort of place you walk past a dozen times before actually stepping inside. Once you do, there's genuine character - wooden beams, old glass, a sense of real age rather than polished heritage theatre.

This is for people who like their churches unadorned and authentic. History buffs will find genuine medieval work here; families with restless kids might find a ten-minute visit stretches into an awkward quarter-hour. The real appeal is in how little it's been mucked about with - no major restorations, no gift shop, just stone and timber doing what they've done for 600 years.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Parkdean Kessingland Beach is your closest at just 3.3 miles - St Nicholas makes an easy afternoon detour. Beccles itself warrants a proper poke around anyway, with the quay and some decent pubs, so you can kill two hours without strain. Admission details aren't widely published, but most parish churches in Suffolk are either free or take a small donation.

Go if you're after the genuine article. Skip it if you need information boards and interactive displays.