Holy Trinity Church, Ashford in the Water

The River Wye flows right past Holy Trinity Church in Ashford in the Water, and that's precisely why you'd want to visit. This 13th-century parish church sits in the heart of the village, stone walls rising above meadows that flood predictably each spring - a fact that's shaped the place for centuries. Inside, you'll find the usual suspects: Victorian restorations, a couple of decent monuments, some decent stained glass. Nothing that'll keep you transfixed for hours, but the interior has genuine warmth to it.

What makes the trip worthwhile is the setting itself. The village is proper lovely - limestone cottages, bridges, and that constant presence of water. You can park near Greenhills Holiday Park, just half a mile away, and walk into the heart of Ashford within minutes. The church works best as part of a longer ramble through the Peak District around Bakewell, rather than a standalone destination. Historians and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the age of it; families with young kids will find the building itself a bit of a squeeze if anyone gets restless.

Admission is generally free - it's a working parish church, after all - though donations are always welcome. Allow 20 minutes inside unless you're really keen on the monuments. The real payoff comes from combining it with walks along the Wye Valley Trail or exploring Bakewell itself, just three miles away. If you're camping at Dale Farm Rural Campsite or one of the other sites dotted around the area, this is absolutely worth the short detour.