St Peters, Pirton

The Church of St Peters sits in the village of Pirton, a few miles south of Worcester, and it's one of those places that rewards a quiet wander if you're staying nearby. The building itself dates back centuries - you'll spot the original Norman work straightaway - and the interior has that particular smell of old stone and furniture polish that you either find comforting or mildly oppressive depending on your mood.

What makes it worth stopping for is the sense of genuine history without the tourist machinery. No gift shop, no audio guide, just the church as it's been used by the village for generations. The chancel is particularly good if you care about that sort of thing, and the windows have character rather than being replacement glass. The churchyard is pleasant for a brief potter about.

This is really for architecture enthusiasts or anyone doing the rounds of Worcestershire's parish churches rather than families looking for an afternoon's entertainment. Allow twenty minutes, maybe half an hour if you're reading all the plaques. It's free to visit, as you'd expect.

If you're staying at Bowbrook Lodges or Bredon View Glamping Retreats - both within a few miles - Pirton church makes an easy detour on a drive through the countryside. It's not a destination in itself, but combined with a walk around the village and the nearby landscape, it fits nicely into a day exploring the quieter side of Worcestershire. Go midweek if you want solitude.