The Collegiate Church of St Mary, Stafford

Walking into the Collegiate Church of St Mary in Stafford is like stepping into several centuries at once. The church stands as one of the finest Perpendicular Gothic structures in the Midlands, with soaring stone tracery and a tower that dominates the town's skyline. Inside, the light floods through tall windows and catches the intricate wooden roof - it's genuinely impressive work.

The church was established in the 14th century and served as a collegiate foundation, which explains the scale and ambition of the building. You'll spot some decent medieval monuments and memorials scattered throughout, though the real draw is the architecture itself. The proportions are proper grand without feeling cold or austere.

It's best suited to anyone with even a passing interest in medieval churches or English Gothic. Architecture enthusiasts will spend a good hour examining the details. If you're just after a quick look, half an hour covers the main points. Families with young children might find it peaceful rather than engaging, depending on their tolerance for standing about looking at stonework.

Stafford itself is walkable, and the church sits centrally enough to combine with a town amble. Most of the nearby caravan parks - Stable Park is the closest at under three miles - make reasonable bases if you're spending a few days exploring Staffordshire. Admission details aren't always publicised online, but the church is generally accessible during reasonable daylight hours. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though not worth a special trip on its own.