Calow United Reformed Church

A modest red-brick chapel just outside Chesterfield, Calow United Reformed Church is the sort of place you'd walk past without thinking twice - until you actually go inside. Built in the 19th century, it's a working church that quietly reflects the industrial heritage of the area, with that particular Victorian earnestness you find in Nonconformist chapels across the Midlands.

The interior is straightforward and unfussy: simple wooden pews, period fittings, and the kind of light that comes through clear glass windows. There's no gilt or grandeur here, which is rather the point. If you're into local history or have an interest in how ordinary communities worshipped during the industrial boom, it's worth a look. Architecture buffs might find the utilitarian design interesting - these chapels were built for function, not show.

Access isn't guaranteed outside service times, so you'll want to check ahead or time your visit for a Sunday service if you're keen to see inside. It's a quick stop rather than a destination in itself - twenty minutes maximum.

If you're camping at Poolsbrook Country Park just two miles away or staying at one of the other sites nearby (Riverside Valley or Spire View Yurts are both within five miles), this makes a worthwhile detour on a wet afternoon or between exploring Chesterfield's town centre. Pair it with a walk around the local lanes - the surrounding countryside is decent enough.