All Saints Church, Ashover

The church at Ashover is a proper medieval affair with a tower that dominates the village skyline, and it's the sort of place that rewards a wander around the churchyard as much as stepping inside. All Saints is mostly 14th century - you can clock the Perpendicular windows straightaway - though bits of it go back further. The interior's fairly typical of a Derbyshire parish church: decent monuments, some decent stonework, the usual Victorian tidying-up. Nothing will take your breath away, but there's enough detail to occupy a keen eyes for twenty minutes or so.

The real appeal is rambling around Ashover village itself, which sits proper nicely in the hills between Chesterfield and Matlock. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Packhorse Farm or Yew Tree Farm are both within a few miles - this makes an easy morning detour on a walk. The churchyard's pleasant enough to sit in, and the village has that authentic Midlands stone character without feeling overdone by visitors.

This isn't the sort of place you'd drive over specifically unless you're into medieval churches or local history. But if you're already in the area exploring the Derbyshire countryside, stopping by adds nothing strenuous to your day. Admission should be free - most villages churches are - though it's worth checking opening times locally. Ashover's the kind of spot where you'll likely have the place to yourself, which counts for something.