St Mary & St Laurence Church, Bolsover

The church sits quietly at the heart of Bolsover, about twenty minutes from Sutton-in-Ashfield, and it's one of those places that rewards you for simply turning up. St Mary & St Laurence is medieval - properly medieval - with the kind of stone walls that have watched centuries pass without fuss.

Inside, there's actual medieval work to spot if you know what you're looking for: carved details in the woodwork, an altar that's seen generations of worship, stained glass that catches the light just right on a clear day. It's the sort of church that feels lived-in rather than museum-like, which matters. The space has genuine atmosphere without being overdone.

This is ideal for anyone exploring Bolsover's heritage - the castle's just a short walk away and dominates the town landscape - or for walkers circling the area who want a quiet ten minutes out of the weather. Families won't get much from it unless they're keen on spotting medieval details, but older kids interested in history will appreciate the real age of the place. It's free to visit, naturally, and you can usually just walk in during daylight hours.

If you're based at Poolsbrook Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite nearby, or the more highly-rated Silverhill Woodland Retreats over towards Teversal, this works as part of a gentle day exploring the area rather than a destination in itself. Allow twenty minutes, half an hour if you're thorough. Don't expect grandeur - expect authenticity.