St Chads

The church sits quiet and unassuming on the edge of Mansfield, one of those medieval buildings that locals walk past without really seeing. St Chad's dates back to the 12th century - proper old - and inside you'll find the sort of details that reward a slow look around. The stonework, the windows, the general sense of age settling into the walls.

It's genuinely worth half an hour if you're into church architecture or just fancy somewhere peaceful. There's nothing flashy about it, which is rather the point. You won't find crowds or gift shops. What you get is the real thing - a working parish church that's been standing for nearly 900 years.

If you're staying at Sherwood Forest Holiday Park or Sherwood Pines Camping nearby, it makes a sensible stop en route to exploring the actual forest. It's close enough to slot into a morning before heading elsewhere, but interesting enough that you won't feel it's a waste of time. Families with older kids who can appreciate old buildings will get more from it than those with restless toddlers, to be honest. The setting's pleasant rather than dramatic.

Go in good light if you can - the interiors of these medieval churches show their age better in bright daylight. Allow time to actually sit and look, rather than rushing through.