Holy Well, Kings Newton

There's something oddly moving about standing at the edge of a village and realizing you're looking at somewhere people came to for healing over a thousand years ago. Holy Well in Kings Newton is exactly that - a modest spring tucked away near Derby that once had pilgrims queuing up, convinced its waters could cure what ailed them. Today it's just a small stone structure, unremarkable really, but the weight of all that faith and hope makes it worth a twenty-minute detour if you're in the area.

The well itself won't take long to see - a few minutes of standing about and you're done. What makes it worthwhile is the walk there and the sense of place. Kings Newton is proper countryside, and the approach through quiet lanes gives you time to think about medieval pilgrims trudging the same route. History buffs will get the most from it, though it's the sort of spot that appeals to anyone interested in folk traditions and the intersection of belief and landscape.

If you're staying at Field of Dreams Glamping just over a mile away, or Hill Farm a couple of miles further on, this fits neatly into a wider exploration of Derbyshire's quieter corners. Bring decent shoes - the paths can be muddy - and don't expect facilities or crowds. That's rather the point. It's free, obviously, and you can swing by on a morning walk without losing half your day to it.