St Helen

The church door swings open onto a quiet corner of Nottinghamshire that feels properly removed from the world. St Helen sits in its own pocket of calm, a medieval church with a surprisingly grand interior for a village setting. Stone pillars rise up to a decent height, and the light streaming through old windows catches the eye before anything else.

This is the sort of place where you actually want to spend time rather than tick off a box. The chancel's worth a proper look, and if you're into medieval architecture there's enough detail to keep you engaged for a good half hour. It's not a massive draw on its own - you won't be blown away by treasures or anything theatrical - but paired with a walk around the surrounding countryside it becomes part of a much nicer afternoon.

Families with older children will get something from it, though younger kids might lose interest quickly. History enthusiasts absolutely should make the diversion. It's free to visit, and there's no fussing about with opening hours nonsense.

Newark's just down the road if you need supplies or a decent pub lunch. If you're based at one of the local parks - Trentfield Farm or Sundown Adventureland are solid options within striking distance - this works as a gentle add-on to a day out rather than a destination in itself. The walk between the car and the church matters as much as the building, if that makes sense.