St Winifred's Church, Manaton

The little church sits quietly in Manaton village, just a short drive from Exeter, and it's one of those places that rewards the detour without demanding much of your time. St Winifred's is a proper medieval job - the kind of small Devon church that feels like stepping back several centuries without the tourist machinery. The stonework's genuinely old, and the interior has that particular smell of ancient wood and stone that you either love or find slightly musty.

What you're looking at is mainly 13th and 14th-century architecture, though like most village churches it's been tinkered with over the years. The graveyard's atmospheric without being gloomy, and there's something quite moving about reading inscriptions that stretch back generations. It's the sort of place that appeals most to history buffs and anyone who appreciates quiet corners of rural Devon - not a major pull for young children unless they're the contemplative type.

There's no admission fee and no set opening hours as far as I can tell, though churches in villages this size aren't always unlocked. Worth ringing ahead or checking locally. Allow half an hour at most, maybe longer if you're into rubbings or spend time in the graveyard. It pairs well with staying at Oakmoor Touring Park nearby - the village itself is peaceful countryside, good for a quick wander between sites rather than a scheduled activity. If you're touring the wider area around Exeter, this ticks the box without eating into your day.