St Lawrence's Church : Barlow

The church sits quietly on the edge of Barlow, a village you might miss entirely if you're whizzing past towards Dronfield. St Lawrence's is one of those places that rewards the curious - not a destination in itself, but the sort of stop that makes a park holiday feel properly considered.

It's a modest medieval church with genuine character. The interior is simple, honest stonework rather than grand or showy. You'll find decent stained glass and an atmosphere that actually feels lived-in rather than museum-like, which is rarer than you'd think. The churchyard is atmospheric, particularly on damp Derbyshire afternoons when the stone turns dark grey and the whole place feels properly contemplative.

History types will get the most from it - there's real medieval fabric here, not Victorian restoration theatre. It's not a half-day attraction, but rather a 20-minute detour if you're exploring the area around Dronfield. Families with small children won't find much to hold their attention, though older kids interested in old buildings won't be bored.

If you're staying at Chatsworth Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite nearby, Barlow makes an easy morning or afternoon cycle ride. The village sits on quiet backroads rather than major tourist routes, which is entirely to its advantage. No postcards, no crowds, no gift shop - just a proper old English church that's been standing here for centuries. That's the appeal, really.