Saint Mark's Church

Saint Mark's Church sits quietly in Winshill, just outside Derby, and it's the sort of place that rewards a detour if you're into Victorian architecture or local history. The church itself is a proper example of 19th-century design - all red brick and careful stonework, with the kind of interior detailing that makes you slow down and actually look around rather than rushing through.

The real appeal here is for anyone who appreciates period churches without the tourist crush of the cathedrals. You can spend 30 to 45 minutes wandering around, reading the plaques, and getting a genuine sense of how a working parish church functions. Families with older children who don't mind a bit of quiet contemplation will find it worthwhile; younger kids might run out of steam faster.

We'd recommend ringing ahead or checking the website to confirm opening times, as smaller churches can keep erratic hours. There's no charge to visit, which is refreshing. If you're based at Peake's Retreats or the Conkers Camping site nearby - both solid options for a Midlands break - this makes an easy morning or afternoon excursion. Combine it with a walk through the local area or a proper explore of Derby's town centre, which is only a few miles away. On its own, it's not a day-long attraction, but it slots neatly into a bigger itinerary.