St Stephen's Church, Lympne

The church sits on a hilltop overlooking Romney Marsh like it's been keeping watch for centuries - because it has. St Stephen's Church in Lympne is one of those proper old structures that rewards a short detour, especially if you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around Hythe and the surrounding area.

What strikes you first is the Norman tower, solid and square against the Kent sky. The interior is modest but genuine - no tourist polish, just a working parish church with genuine medieval bones. There's a decent Norman doorway to examine, and if you're into ecclesiastical architecture, the chancel rewards a close look. It's the kind of place where you'll spend twenty minutes, maybe half an hour if you're thorough, then head back down the hill feeling like you've actually seen something real rather than something packaged for visitors.

For walkers staying at Daleacres or Fallow Fields, it's an easy morning leg - the hill climb is gentle enough. Families with young children might find it less engaging than Port Lympne Safari Park just over the way, but older kids interested in history will get something from it. The views across the marsh from the churchyard are worth the walk alone.

It's free to visit, and there's no faffing about with opening times - you can usually access the churchyard whenever. Just be respectful; this is still a working church, not a museum. Allow yourself a good hour if you fancy a wander round the graveyard too. Proper little slice of Kent heritage.