St Simon & St Jude Parish Church

The church sits at the heart of Alresford, a handsome market town that feels properly Georgian when you wander its main street. St Simon & St Jude is a solid medieval parish church - 15th century mostly, though the bones go back further - and it's the kind of place you stumble into while exploring rather than plan a trip around.

Inside, there's decent stained glass and the usual wood carving you'd expect from a church of its age. The chancel's worth a proper look if you're into ecclesiastical detail. It's a working church, so opening times depend on services and the vicar's schedule - best ring ahead or check the noticeboard outside.

Honestly, if you're staying at Woodlands Camping just up the road, it's absolutely worth popping into during a morning stroll around town. The High Street has proper independent shops and a decent lunch spot or two, so you can make a morning of it without feeling like you're just ticking a box. It won't take more than half an hour inside the church itself, but the whole Alresford experience - market square, riverside walks, the charm of the place - that's worth a couple of hours if you're not rushed.

Families with young kids might find it a bit solemn, but walkers and history types will appreciate both the building and its setting in one of Hampshire's more appealing small towns. Free entry, as far as I could tell, though leaving a donation seems right.