All Saints, North Scarle

All Saints sits in the quiet village of North Scarle, just a short drive from Newark, and it's one of those churches that rewards the detour if you're into medieval architecture. The building itself is largely 14th century - sturdy Perpendicular work with a decent tower - and stepping inside feels properly timeless. The interior's nothing overloaded with monuments or fancy tombs, which is part of its appeal. You get the sense of a working parish church that's been doing its job for seven hundred years without needing to shout about it.

It's the sort of place that appeals to church crawlers and history types far more than it will to kids on a rainy afternoon - there's no interactive displays or visitor centre here, just the building and whatever light comes through the windows. Allow half an hour to have a proper look around, longer if you want to examine the medieval details closely. The village itself is tiny and rural, so don't expect a cafe or facilities. Check with Newark's tourist information before you go if you need to confirm opening times.

If you're touring the caravan parks dotted around the area - Four Seasons is closest at just over a mile away - North Scarle makes a logical stop on a cycle or a drive between Newark and the quieter parts of Nottinghamshire. It won't take long, but it's exactly the kind of modest, genuine medieval church that makes village exploring in the East Midlands worthwhile.