St Swithin’s Church, Wellow

The church sits quietly in Wellow village, about four miles south of Newark, and it's one of those places that rewards a proper wander if you're already in the area. St Swithin's is a medieval parish church with a lovely 14th-century tower that does stand out a bit from the surrounding countryside. Walk inside and you'll find some decent stained glass windows, though nothing that will blow your mind, and some decent carved stone work if you know what to look for.

It's worth a visit if you're interested in medieval churches and local history - the kind of thing that appeals to proper enthusiasts rather than casual day-trippers. You can probably spend thirty minutes here comfortably, less if you're not one for lingering in churches. The building itself is well-maintained and fairly easy to access, which helps.

If you're staying at The Sherwood Hideaway just down the road, it makes sense to combine this with a bit of gentle walking around Wellow village itself. The village is pleasant enough for a stroll, and the church gives you a focal point. The real draw around here is Sherwood Forest itself if you're keen on that sort of thing, but St Swithin's adds a bit of cultural depth to what might otherwise be just woodland wandering. Admission details aren't widely advertised, so check locally when you arrive - most churches like this are either free or operate on a donations basis.