St Peter and Mary Magdalene Parish Church

The church sits on a hillside overlooking Ilfracombe, and it's one of those places that rewards you for bothering to find it. St Peter and Mary Magdalene isn't flashy - it's a proper medieval parish church with the sort of worn stone walls and weathered charm that speak to centuries of local worship. Inside, you'll find the usual suspects: decent stained glass, old wooden pews, and that particular smell of old wood and stone that somehow feels right in a church this old.

The main appeal here is the view rather than the building itself, to be honest. The churchyard commands the kind of prospect over the North Devon coast that makes you understand why people built things in inconvenient hilltop locations. It's worth climbing up for the vantage point alone, particularly if you're already in Ilfracombe for the day.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate the medieval stonework and the accumulated layers of the place, though it's not a destination that requires hours. Thirty minutes covers a proper look inside and out. The churchyard itself is peaceful enough for a sit-down if you've brought a packed lunch.

If you're staying at Stowford Farm Meadows or Hidden Valley, both within six miles, this makes an easy add-on to an Ilfracombe morning - far less crowded than the seafront attractions and with genuine character. Admission appears to be free, though opening times aren't advertised, so check before you go on a Sunday or pop by mid-week.