Holy Trinity Church, Barrow upon Soar

The church sits right in the heart of Barrow upon Soar, a modest Leicestershire village that doesn't shout about itself. Holy Trinity is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan around - stone-built, proper English parish church with enough age and character to reward a twenty-minute wander inside.

What you're looking at is medieval bones with Victorian restoration work, which means the architecture tells a story if you're into that sort of thing. The interior has decent stained glass and the usual monuments and plaques that mark centuries of local life. It's the kind of church that speaks to family history types and anyone with a camera - genuine rather than over-restored.

This works best paired with a walk along the Soar Valley. The village itself is quiet, which is either brilliant or dull depending on your mood. If you're staying at Proctors Park or Meadow Farm Marina, both within walking distance, Holy Trinity makes a natural stop on an afternoon ramble rather than a destination in itself. Don't expect signposting or visitor facilities - ring ahead about opening hours to avoid a wasted trip.

Worth an hour if you're already in the village. Worth the detour? Only if you're exploring the Soar Valley properly or tracing family roots. Not one for kids unless they're genuinely interested in old churches.