St Paul de Leon Church

The church sits on a quiet lane just outside Newton Abbot, its stone walls worn smooth by centuries of Devon weather. St Paul de Leon is properly ancient - the kind of place where you half expect to find scratch marks from medieval pilgrims on the doorframe, though you'll need to ask locally for exact dates and visiting details since information online is thin on the ground.

Inside, there's real character. The furnishings aren't pristine museum pieces but working parts of a living parish church, which somehow makes it more affecting than somewhere over-restored. The light comes through old windows in that particular way it does in old churches - making you understand why people found these spaces spiritual.

History enthusiasts will get more from a visit than casual droppers-in, frankly. If you're after half an hour of atmospheric wandering followed by a cream tea, you'll manage fine. If you're the type who reads every plaque and wonders about the families buried in the churchyard, you could spend considerably longer.

The nearest proper base is Ashbourne Woods, about four miles away - a solid holiday park if you're planning a few days exploring the area. St Paul de Leon works best as part of a broader wander around South Devon rather than a destination in itself. Ring ahead before visiting since opening hours aren't advertised, but locals in Newton Abbot will point you right.