The Sacred Heart Church

The red sandstone facade of this Victorian church stops you dead on the street in Exeter. Built in the 1880s, it's one of those religious buildings that actually makes you pause, rather than just tick off a list. The interior is genuinely striking - all that soaring height and ornate detail that somehow doesn't feel overwrought. Worth an hour of your time if you're into church architecture or Victorian design, less so if you're after a quick spiritual pit stop.

It's the kind of place that appeals to walkers and history types more than families with restless kids. You can stand in the nave and actually think, which feels rare these days. The light through the windows at certain times is proper lovely - late afternoon works best if you're after photographs that don't look like everyone else's.

Free to enter, as most parish churches are, and there's no time limit, so drop in whenever you're passing through the city centre. The church sits comfortably within a broader Exeter wander - couple it with the Cathedral and the quays, and you've got a solid half-day. If you're staying at nearby Devon Heaven Hideaways for some glamping relaxation, the drive into the city takes fifteen minutes or so, making this an easy detour during your week away. Don't expect crowds or queues. It's quietly atmospheric rather than tourist-trap busy.