St Edward The Confessor Church : Leek

The parish church of St Edward the Confessor dominates Leek's market town centre with its sturdy perpendicular tower and slate roof. Step inside and you're looking at centuries of Staffordshire worship - the building dates back to medieval times, though it's been considerably worked on since. The interior has that particular smell of old stone and polish that never gets old, genuine medieval woodwork in the choir stalls, and windows that flood the nave with proper light on a decent day.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick tick-box visit. You'll find decent memorials, some fine carved details if you look up, and a real sense of the town's prosperity during the wool and textile trades. History enthusiasts will get more from it than families with restless kids, though the scale is manageable enough that nobody will be trudging about for hours.

Admission is free - these parish churches usually are - and you can pop in most days, though it's worth checking locally for opening times before a specific trip. Allow 20 to 30 minutes to do it justice. If you're camping at Leek Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Rudyard Vale just a couple of miles out, it's a straightforward walk into town and the church sits right there. Pair it with a browse of Leek's antique shops and the town market if it's market day. Not a breathtaking spectacle, but solid local history well worth an hour in town.