St Peter’s Church : Ellastone

You'll find this modest church tucked away in the village of Ellastone, just outside Uttoxeter, where it's been standing since the Norman period. St Peter's is the kind of place that rewards a quiet wander round - there's genuine medieval stonework inside, and the setting itself, looking out towards the Staffordshire countryside, feels properly peaceful. The church is small and unpretentious, which is rather the point. History buffs will appreciate the Norman architecture and whatever monuments have survived inside, but honestly, this isn't a destination that demands hours of your time. Twenty minutes and you've taken in what matters.

What makes it worthwhile is the walk to get there. The village of Ellastone is pleasant enough - quiet lanes, proper rural Staffordshire - and combining a visit with a stroll through the surrounding countryside makes more sense than treating it as a standalone trip. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan sites - The Cross Country Park is just four miles away, or Lower Moorend View and Crowtrees both nearby - then it's an easy morning detour before heading elsewhere.

Families with young children might find it a bit dull unless they're into old buildings. Walkers doing the circuit round the area will get more from it. Admission appears to be free, as with most village churches, though you'll want to check opening hours before you go. It's the sort of spot that feels less like a destination and more like a pleasant discovery - which, in rural Staffordshire, is often exactly what you need.