St. John The Baptist Church, Church Mayfield

The church sits in the village of Mayfield, a few miles south of Ashbourne, and it's one of those places that rewards a quiet wander. St. John The Baptist is a proper medieval building with a tower that punctures the Derbyshire landscape rather nicely. Inside, the stone work is straightforward but honest - no fussy Victorian restoration here, which is refreshing. The main draw is the peaceful churchyard and the sense of walking into something genuinely old. This isn't a showcase attraction with guided tours or visitor facilities; it's a working parish church that locals actually use.

You'll get the most from a visit if you're the type who enjoys rural history and doesn't need everything explained. Church spotters and walkers passing through Derbyshire will find it worth a ten-minute detour. Families with very young children might find it a bit lacking in interactive appeal, but anyone teaching kids about medieval England will find it authentic. There's no admission fee - it's a church, after all - though you might pop a donation in the box if the door is open.

Allow 30 minutes maximum, longer if you're sketching or photographing the stonework. The churchyard itself is a pleasant spot to sit. Being just a couple of miles from Callow Top Holiday Park and Woodland Caravan Park, it slots easily into a Derbyshire caravan break. Pair it with a walk around the Peak District or into Ashbourne itself, which has far more going on for families. It's the sort of place that works best when you're not rushing.