St Philip's Church

The stone tower of St Philip's Church rises quietly from the Kent countryside, a couple of miles outside Tunbridge Wells. It's the sort of place you'd stumble across on a walk rather than plan a special trip for, which isn't a criticism - sometimes those are the best discoveries.

The church itself is a modest Victorian structure with genuine character. The interior has that particular smell old English churches have - damp stone, old wood, candlewax - and enough light streaming through the windows to make the brass fixtures gleam. If you're into ecclesiastical architecture or just appreciate a bit of peaceful contemplation, it's worth a quiet half hour.

This works best if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping farms - Honnington Farm or Colts Hill are both within striking distance - and you fancy a proper walk to clear your head. The surrounding countryside is proper walking country, gentle rolling hills rather than demanding terrain. Kids will find an actual church less gripping than a theme park, but families who enjoy meandering village explorations might appreciate it as part of a morning's ramble.

The real appeal is the sense of stumbling onto something ordinary and real rather than visitor-focused. No admission charge, no gift shop, no faffing about. Just a church doing what churches do. Allow twenty minutes if you're passing through, longer if you're the lingering type. Check locally about service times if you're planning to visit - opening hours vary and the church isn't set up as a tourist attraction.