St Helen's Church, Thorney

The church sits alone on the flat Nottinghamshire landscape like something from a painting - St Helen's has been keeping watch over Thorney since medieval times. It's a proper working parish church, not a museum piece, which means you'll find real people here, not just tourists shuffling through in silence.

What strikes you first is how modest it is. No soaring Gothic arches or elaborate stonework - just honest brickwork and a modest tower that's been there for centuries. Inside, the space feels intimate rather than grand. You can walk round in twenty minutes, though if you're into church architecture or local history, there's enough detail to occupy longer. The churchyard itself is peaceful, the sort of place where you might actually sit for a bit rather than just ticking a box.

It's worth a stop if you're staying at one of the local caravan parks - Lakeside Touring is practically on the doorstep at less than half a mile away. From there or Trentfield Farm, Thorney makes an easy morning visit en route to Newark or while exploring the quieter corners of the county. Families with children will find it calm rather than thrilling, but it's the sort of place that sticks with you more than some flashier attractions. Go mid-week for real peace. Check locally for opening times before you visit, as it's a working parish church rather than a tourist attraction with set hours.