St Thomas a Beckett

The church sits quietly on the edge of Kingsbridge, a proper medieval building that's been standing since the 12th century. It's dedicated to Thomas a Beckett - yes, that Thomas a Beckett, the archbishop who got himself murdered in Canterbury Cathedral back in 1170. Walking through the door, you'll find yourself in a space that feels genuinely lived-in rather than museum-like, with decent stone work and the kind of cool, slightly damp air you get in old Devon churches.

This one's for people who actually care about church architecture and local history rather than those after Instagram moments. You won't spend hours here - thirty minutes covers it comfortably - but if you're the type who reads every brass plaque and stands around wondering about medieval craft, you'll find it worthwhile. The interior has some nice details if you know where to look, and it gives you a real sense of how communities anchored themselves around these buildings centuries ago.

Free to visit, though it's worth checking locally in Kingsbridge for opening times before you make the trip. It's a quick detour if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - South Devon Camping at Lower Terawhiti Farm is closest at under four miles away. Pair it with a proper walk around Kingsbridge itself or head down to Start Bay, which is only about five miles south. The church works best as part of a broader afternoon rather than a standalone destination, but it's the sort of place that rewards a quiet visit.