St Swithun's Church, Pyworthy

The church sits quietly on the edge of Pyworthy, just inland from Bude, and it's the sort of place you'd miss entirely if you weren't looking for it. St Swithun's is a small, stone-built parish church that rewards the kind of traveller who enjoys wandering off the coastal path for an hour or so. The building itself dates back centuries, and there's genuine character in the worn stonework and simple interior - no attempt at grand restoration, just honest countryside church architecture.

What makes it worth a detour is the walk itself and the sense of stepping into rural Cornwall proper. You're away from the beach crowds and amusement arcades of Bude, in proper quiet farmland. The church is free to visit and typically unlocked during daylight hours, though this isn't guaranteed, so check locally before making the trip. Allow 30 minutes to have a proper look around, or longer if you're combining it with a gentle countryside ramble through the lanes.

For families staying at Wooda Farm Holiday Park or Atlantic Surf Pods - both just a few miles away - this works best as a short morning walk rather than a main event. Older children or those interested in local history will find it more engaging than the under-tens. It's the sort of place that feels special precisely because it isn't crowded or over-interpreted. Go if you like finding things on your own terms. Skip it if you need facilities or spectacular views.