St Mary's Church, Stow

The church sits quietly in Stow village, about five miles from Newark - the sort of place you'd stumble across while driving through the Nottinghamshire countryside rather than plotting a specific trip. St Mary's is a working parish church, which means it's genuinely lived-in rather than museum-like, and that's precisely what makes it worth a stop.

Inside, you'll find the kind of medieval architecture that tells a story without needing plaques - solid stone walls, a proper chancel, and the sort of light that changes depending on what time of day you visit. The building dates back several centuries, and you can read it in the brickwork and the way the roof sits. It's the real thing, not restored to within an inch of its life.

This isn't a destination in itself. You're not carving out an afternoon for St Mary's alone. But if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Trentfield Farm, Lakeside, or Wild Acre Village are all within six miles - and you fancy a gentle walk through the village, it's worth poking your head inside. A quarter hour, maybe twenty minutes if you're thorough. The church should be open during daylight hours most days, though it's wise to check locally.

Best for: people who like genuine old buildings and aren't after tour guides and gift shops. Not ideal if you're travelling with restless kids looking for interactive exhibits. Free to enter, naturally.