St Bartholomew's Church, Foston

The little church sitting on the edge of Foston village feels rather removed from the world - all weathered stone and quiet corners. St Bartholomew's is a proper medieval parish church, the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which makes a refreshing change when you're juggling a caravan holiday near Leicester.

Inside, there's genuine medieval work to spot if you take your time. The architecture speaks volumes about centuries of worship in this corner of Leicestershire, and the church has that authentic worn quality you simply can't manufacture. It's the kind of spot that appeals most to people with an interest in local history or ecclesiastical architecture - families with young kids might find ten minutes quite enough, unless they're the particularly patient sort.

Access is straightforward if the church is open, though visiting times aren't guaranteed, so it's worth checking locally before making a special trip. Being free to enter is a bonus, and the setting itself - surrounded by the rhythms of village life - is rather lovely on a quiet afternoon.

If you're based at either Valley View Escapes or Rosemarie Caravan Site nearby, this makes for a gentle leg-stretch during your time in the area. It won't demand hours of your holiday, but if you're the type who finds character in old country churches, the detour from Leicester feels worthwhile enough. Pair it with a proper wander round the village itself and you've got a proper quiet afternoon sorted.