St John's Church, Perlethorpe

The medieval church sits quietly in Perlethorpe, a proper sleepy spot between Newark and Sherwood Forest proper. It's a working parish church - not a museum - so you're getting the real thing rather than some heritage attraction on life support. The building itself dates back centuries, with that solid Norman feel you get from churches built when people meant business with their stonework.

Inside, it's intimate rather than grand. You'll find the usual treasures - old monuments, carved details, the kind of atmospheric gloom that comes from thick walls and small windows. It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick tick-off. History types will appreciate the architectural bones; anyone just after a moment of quiet will find it too.

Access is straightforward from Newark, making it an easy addition to a Sherwood Forest park holiday. Sherwood Pines Camping sits just three miles away, so you could loop this into a morning exploring the area. Best to check ahead for opening times before you make the journey - it's a working church, not always open to casual visitors.

Really, St John's works best as part of a larger Sherwood exploration rather than a standalone destination. The landscape around here is proper Nottinghamshire - gentle, tree-lined, the kind of driving you'll actually enjoy. Worth an hour if you're staying nearby; less so if you're making a special trip from further afield.