St Peter's Church, Parwich

The churchyard sits quiet on the edge of Parwich village, a couple of miles from Matlock, and St Peter's itself is one of those solid medieval affairs that feels like it's been watching over the Peak District for centuries - because it has. The church dates back to the 12th century, which means it predates most things you'll encounter in this corner of Derbyshire by a fair margin.

Inside, you'll find the usual suspects: stone arches, a decent bell tower, and that particular smell of old wood and damp plaster that either appeals to you or doesn't. The churchyard's worth a wander in its own right, crammed with headstones that tell you quite a lot about who lived and died in these villages over the past few hundred years. It's the kind of place that rewards a slow look around.

This works best for people interested in medieval architecture and local history rather than families with restless kids - allow thirty minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you want to spend reading inscriptions. Admission should be free, though opening hours aren't always predictable for smaller rural churches, so check ahead if you're planning a specific visit.

It's a decent addition to a park holiday in the area if you're based at Rivendale Lodge Retreat or one of the other sites nearby, particularly if you're already exploring the surrounding valleys around Hartington Hills. On its own, it's not a destination - but as part of a broader wander through the Peak District villages, it earns its place.