Chapel of St Mary

You'll find yourself in the presence of something genuinely old the moment you step through the door of Chapel of St Mary, just outside Nottingham. This isn't a grand cathedral with soaring arches - it's intimate, modest, and all the more affecting for it. The chapel itself tells the story of centuries of faith in the Midlands, with stonework and details that speak to its age without needing a tour guide to explain it all.

It's the sort of place that appeals to anyone with an interest in local history or medieval religion, though families won't find much to occupy restless kids for more than half an hour. If you're a keen walker or photographer, the building and its surroundings are worth a detour, particularly if you're already exploring the Nottinghamshire countryside. The surrounding area has several good holiday parks within easy reach - Fairview Farm Log Cabins is barely two miles away, making it a straightforward morning trip from base.

Access and visiting hours aren't always straightforward with smaller chapels like this, so it's worth ringing ahead or checking locally when you arrive in the area. The Nottingham tourist information can usually point you in the right direction. If you're staying at Lurcher Farm or Tall Trees, both within five miles, you can combine this with a proper walk through the local landscape rather than treating it as a standalone stop. The real value here is in the quietness and the sense of history - not in any spectacular features or facilities.