St Stephen's Church, West Putford

The church sits quietly on the edge of West Putford, a proper Devon village where not much happens and that's rather the point. St Stephen's is a medieval parish church, all grey stone and creaky timber inside, the sort of place that smells of old wood and hymn books. You'll find the usual Norman features - an old font, some decent stained glass, a handful of brasses on the floor that locals have walked over for centuries.

It's the kind of stop that works best if you're already in the area rather than a destination in itself. Walkers heading through North Devon will appreciate the quiet churchyard and the sense of stepping into something that's been there since the 1300s. History types will enjoy a proper look around, though don't expect elaborate monuments or major architectural drama. Kids might find it dull unless they're into the morbid appeal of old graveyards.

Bideford is the nearest proper town, a few miles south, so you could easily tuck St Stephen's into a larger day out exploring the coast and countryside thereabouts. If you're staying at Roeys Retreat Campsite nearby, it's a pleasant fifteen-minute drive to work off a bit of restless energy before heading back to camp. There's no charge to go in, and you won't need more than twenty minutes unless you're doing rubbings or taking photographs. Best visited on a dry day when the churchyard's at its least muddy.