St Martin's Church Stonydelph

The church sits alone in a cluster of farm buildings, about four miles south of Atherstone - the sort of place you'd only find if you were specifically looking for it. St Martin's is a proper little medieval structure, nothing grand, just honest stone and centuries of parish life compressed into one small building.

What strikes you walking in is how genuine it all feels. There's no visitor centre glossiness here, no gift shop. You get genuine medieval architecture - the kind of thing that speaks to actual people worshipping in the same spot for 800 years rather than a museum piece. The church is small enough that you can take it in properly in twenty minutes, though architecture enthusiasts will want longer to clock the details.

This works best for walkers and history types rather than families with restless kids. There's not much to do once you've had a look round, and the isolation that makes it special also means there's no tea shop or facilities nearby.

As a stop during a park holiday around Atherstone, it's worth the detour if you're into medieval churches and exploring beyond the main attractions. Nightingales Rustic Camping and Lime Tree Caravan Park are both close enough for a morning ramble. Access details aren't straightforward - phone ahead or check locally in Atherstone before you go, as opening times aren't listed online and you'll want to know if you need a key from someone.