St Mary the Virgin

The church sits tucked away in Nottinghamshire with a quiet dignity that catches you off guard. St Mary the Virgin is one of those places you'd miss entirely if you weren't looking for it, which is precisely why it rewards the detour.

Inside, there's proper medieval architecture - the kind of thing that makes you understand why people cared so much about their parish churches back in the day. The stonework and windows tell their own story if you're into that sort of thing, though it's not a showstopper like some of the cathedral jobs you'll find elsewhere in the Midlands.

This works best for history types and anyone keen on seeing how ordinary people worshipped centuries ago. If you're after bright lights and visitor facilities, look elsewhere. If you want a quiet hour poking around a real working church with actual character, you'll get something out of it.

It's free to visit, though opening hours vary - best to check locally or arrive during daylight hours and hope the door's unlocked. Allow 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much you want to linger. The setting near Nottingham means it pairs well with a stay at Janson Fishery Caravan & Camping just a few miles out, where you can base yourself before exploring the wider area. Good for a morning visit before heading into the city proper.