Anchor Church

You'll find yourself standing in front of what looks like a modest stone archway carved straight into a sandstone cliff face near Derby. That's Anchor Church - a 12th-century hermitage that somebody, centuries ago, decided to hollow out of solid rock. It's genuinely odd in the best way.

The site consists of a small chamber with an altar carved into the stone and a window opening to the landscape beyond. There's real atmosphere here, particularly on overcast days when the light filters through in a particular way. You're looking at actual medieval craftsmanship, and that counts for something.

It's not a massive undertaking - you'll spend 20 minutes wandering about, maybe longer if you're taking photographs or sitting quietly. Walkers get the most from this because it slots naturally into a ramble through the surrounding countryside rather than demanding a special trip on its own. History enthusiasts will appreciate the carved details and the sheer oddness of someone choosing to live in a cave during the Middle Ages. It won't captivate young children for long, to be honest.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted, though there's minimal infrastructure - no visitor centre or facilities. Best to visit during daylight hours when you can actually see the carvings properly.

If you're staying at Hill Farm Camping or Broadleaves Glamping nearby, this makes a decent morning walk. It's close enough to Derby that you could pair it with visiting the town itself, but the real value is in how it punctuates a country walk rather than standing alone as a destination.