All Saints Church

Situated in the heart of the small Somerset town of Langport, All Saints is a local landmark – a 15th–16th- century church with a huge tower and an impressive position high above the town. Vested to the care of the Churches Conservation Trust and still open for local community weddings, it's also these days a unique place to stay, with space for up 12 people to bed down in relative comfort in the church – perfect for a group of friends or a family group.

Overlooking the remains of a Benedictine abbey, All Saints is a large church and it's rather exciting to have the run of it for the night. You don't have to be religious to enjoy it: it's basically just a comfortable, affordable and unique place to sleep; and, even better, a terrific place to wake up – your beds are set up in the spacious south chapel, lined with the church's medieval stained glass windows, so that in the morning you wake to coloured light falling softly around you. There are comfy padded camp beds and bucket-type camp chairs and other furniture, including a storage chest for bags and bits, as well as fairy lights, battery candles and lanterns that provide atmosphere as well as light. The church has electricity, bottled water and in true camping style there's a kettle for heating water (for tea, coffee or for washing); a cabin outside provides water-less eco-toilet facilities. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead in the churchyard.  They also provide handy stuff like bottle openers and picnic glasses, but you have to bring your own wine and beer!

Langport itself is a very pleasant to place yourself on any trip to Somerset, with a thriving high street full of indy businesses that was runner-up in the 'Best British High Street' awards a few years back. There is a a handful of good pubs and restaurants, and lots of local things to see. Continuing the ecclesiastical theme, you can check out the medieval Priest's House, a shortish walk from the church, along with the partial ruins of Mulcheney Abbey, while the marshy landscape of the Somerset Levels (though notoriously prone to flooding) offers a superb selection of cycle routes and off-road footpaths. You are also a short drive away from the National Trust property of Barrington Court, a stunning Tudor manor house in its own grounds, and the pretty town of Ilminster just a few miles further on.