St Thomas of Canterbury

The church sits on Okehampton's high street, a solid medieval structure that doesn't shout for attention but rewards a proper look. St Thomas of Canterbury is a working parish church with the kind of quiet authority you find in Devon market towns - all stone and steep roof, built when Okehampton was actually prosperous.

Inside, there's proper medieval carpentry in the roof and some decent stained glass, though honestly you're here more for the atmosphere than spectacular treasures. The church is surprisingly light and spacious, which matters because it was clearly designed for a bustling wool-trade congregation. You can work through it in twenty minutes or stay longer if you're into the architectural detail - the medieval font is worth a proper look.

It's the kind of place families with older children appreciate more than very young ones; there's nothing interactive, but if they're interested in how towns like Okehampton actually functioned, this puts things in perspective. Walkers passing through on the moor circuit often pop in for five minutes to warm up.

The church is free to enter during daylight hours, though times vary seasonally. If you're staying at Wolf Wood Treehouses just down the road, it's an easy walk into town. St Thomas works best as part of a larger Okehampton wander rather than a destination in itself - it's genuine, understated, and takes about as long as a decent coffee break. No frills, but solid Devon.