Saint Mark's Church, Great Wyrley

The church sits quietly on the high street in Great Wyrley, just outside Rugeley, its red sandstone exterior doing proper work against the grey Staffordshire sky. Saint Mark's has been keeping watch over this corner of the Black Country since the 1800s, and stepping inside feels like pressing pause on the rush of the modern world.

What you get is straightforward Victorian architecture - nothing flashy, nothing overdone. The interior has that particular smell all old churches seem to share, all stone and age and countless Sunday services. The stained glass catches light in the expected places. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which counts for something these days.

This is genuinely worthwhile if you're stopping in the area between hiking trips or camping at Pillaton Hall Farm or Chase Camping at Tackeroo, which sit within five or six miles. Spend twenty minutes inside, take in the detail if you're into Victorian ecclesiastical design, and move on. History enthusiasts will find the church registers interesting enough, though you'll need to contact the parish about access.

There's no admission charge - it's a working church, not a tourist attraction trying to make a quick quid. Opening times depend on services and volunteer availability, so ring ahead rather than arriving to locked doors. Pair it with a walk around Rugeley's town centre or extend your time across the surrounding parks if you've got a full day planned.