St Thomas's Church

The church sits quietly on the edge of Cumbria's landscape, a solid stone building that's been there long enough that most people driving past don't really register it. St Thomas's Church is one of those places that rewards the detour if you're into old buildings and the stories they hold.

Inside, the whitewashed walls and wooden beams create an unexpectedly bright, welcoming space - it doesn't feel as austere as some medieval churches can be. The fixtures and fittings tell the tale of centuries of worship, with the kind of details that make you linger: carved wood, worn stone, the particular smell that only old churches have.

This is genuinely one for the history-minded rather than casual browsers. Kids will be bored within ten minutes unless they're the type who like hunting for gargoyles and reading epitaphs. Allow half an hour if you're serious about it.

If you're staying at Two Acre Glamping Pods nearby, St Thomas's makes a good morning walk before heading somewhere bigger. It's the sort of place that anchors you to the region - reminds you that people have been living and worshipping in these hills for an awfully long time. Check ahead on opening times before you go, as smaller churches keep irregular hours. Admission appears to be free, which is proper - these places depend on goodwill.