St Helena's Church, South Scarle

The tower of St Helena's Church rises unexpectedly from the flat Nottinghamshire landscape near Newark, a sturdy Norman structure that's been holding its own against the elements for nearly 900 years. Inside, the church is genuinely small - the kind of place where you can take in the whole space in ten minutes flat - but there's real character in the thick stone walls and the handful of decent medieval features dotted about.

What makes it worthwhile isn't grand architecture or famous treasures. It's the sheer solitude of the spot. You'll likely have the church to yourself, which means you can actually hear the silence and notice details other visitors would miss. The setting is utterly remote, surrounded by open fields, and that isolation is rather the point. This is a church that feels rooted in its landscape in a way many restored and reorganised parish churches don't.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from it, though families with patient kids might find the quiet appeal too. Allow fifteen minutes unless you're genuinely interested in Norman architecture. It's free to visit, though opening hours aren't guaranteed - you may need to track down a keyholder through Newark.

If you're based at Four Seasons Country Park or Milestone Caravan Park, both just three miles away, St Helena's works as a gentle afternoon detour rather than a destination in itself. The drive out to South Scarle takes you through proper open country, which is half the experience.