St Mary's Church : Crich

The church itself sits on a rise above Crich village, commanding views across the Derbyshire countryside that justify the modest climb to reach it. St Mary's is a proper old parish church, with that satisfying mix of medieval bones and later additions that tells you something about the place's religious life over centuries. The interior has decent medieval stonework and the kind of quiet that makes you actually want to sit for a bit, rather than just snap a photo and leave.

It's the sort of spot that appeals to church history types and anyone doing a walking circuit through the Peak District foothills, rather than families with small kids looking for entertainment. The village itself is manageable on foot from Belper, three miles south, though you'll want decent shoes for the final approach. Allow thirty minutes if you're actually going inside, less if you're just admiring the exterior and views.

Visitors based at The Firs Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, just 2.7 miles away, could easily tack this onto a morning wander before heading elsewhere. Same goes for Lickpenny near Matlock if you're doing a broader exploration of the area. St Mary's won't take your breath away, but it's a genuine piece of local history and the elevated location means you're getting a proper look at the surrounding landscape rather than just tucking yourself away in yet another valley.