National Trust - Staunton Harold Church

You'll find this 17th-century church standing alone on the banks of a reservoir in Derbyshire, looking rather defiant about the whole thing. Built in 1633 by a local landowner who wanted to prove he could construct something grand without the king's permission, it's a proper statement - all soaring proportions and intricate plasterwork inside that genuinely catches you off guard.

The National Trust runs it now, and it's worth the short walk from the car park if you're into church architecture or just fancy somewhere genuinely quiet. The lakeside setting is lovely, and there's real character in the details - carved angels, a hammer-beam roof, the sort of craftsmanship you don't rush through. Most people allow 45 minutes to an hour here, longer if you're the type to read every inscription.

It's free to visit, though opening hours vary seasonally - worth checking ahead. Not a place for fidgety kids, to be honest, but school groups studying the period get plenty from it.

You're close to Derby here, which is useful, and the glamping spots at Field of Dreams and Broadleaves are just up the road - both rated highly. Hill Farm and Conkers offer more traditional camping if you're after something less fancy. This makes a solid half-morning stop if you're basing yourself at one of those parks rather than a destination in itself, though it's certainly distinctive.