St John the Baptist

The tower of St John the Baptist rises above the Lincolnshire flatlands like a stone proclamation - you'll spot it long before you arrive in Newark. This is proper medieval craftsmanship, the kind of parish church that anchors a market town and tells you everything about five centuries of English life.

Inside, the church reveals itself gradually. High ceilings, substantial stonework, and the sort of light that streams through old glass to make dust motes look intentional. The chancel and nave are the real draws here - dignified rather than showy, which is very much the Lincolnshire way. If you're into ecclesiastical architecture or just after some quiet contemplation away from the holiday park crowds, this delivers without fuss.

It's the kind of stop that takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on whether you're someone who reads every plaque or just walks the perimeter. Most families with young kids won't linger, but older children interested in history will find genuine substance here. Admission is typically free - standard for English parish churches - though a donation box usually sits near the entrance.

From the glamping sites scattered round the area - Lincolnshire Glamping is your closest option at just over 3 miles - this makes an easy afternoon detour. Newark itself has decent bones as a market town, so you can stack this visit with lunch or a wander round the town centre. It's not the sort of attraction you build a day around, but it's absolutely worth 20 minutes if you're already in the neighbourhood.