St Bartholomew's Church, Clay Cross

The church sits right in the middle of Clay Cross, a former mining town between Alfreton and Chesterfield, and it's properly worth stopping for if you're passing through. St Bartholomew's is a solid Victorian structure - built in 1838 - with decent stained glass and that satisfying stone interior that makes you want to sit quietly for a bit. The thing about Clay Cross is it's real mining heritage country, and this church saw generations of miners and their families come through its doors, which adds weight to a wander round.

It's free to get in, and you can usually find it open during daylight hours, though it's worth checking ahead if you're making a special trip. Fifteen minutes inside is enough to see the lot - it's not enormous, but it's got character. Families with kids might find it peaceful rather than thrilling, but walkers doing the local footpaths will appreciate the chance to stretch legs and look at something with actual history.

If you're staying at Lickpenny Matlock just down the road - that's a proper Caravan Club spot with good facilities - or Packhorse Farm over towards Matlock, this makes an easy detour on a driving day. The surrounding area has some decent walking, and Alfreton town centre is only a few minutes away if you need shops or a coffee. Clay Cross itself is the kind of place that rewards a bit of curiosity - it won't blow your mind, but it tells you something real about East Midlands industrial life.