Saint Mary the Virgin, Tilty

You won't find this church on many tourist itineraries, which is rather the point. Saint Mary the Virgin sits in the village of Tilty, just outside Dunmow, looking every inch the medieval parish church you'd expect to stumble across on an Essex back road - all weathered stone and serious purpose. Inside, there's proper history: the place dates back centuries and holds the sort of architectural details that reward a slow wander if you're into that sort of thing.

It's the kind of visit that works best for church enthusiasts and history buffs rather than casual day-trippers. You're not looking at a major monument here - more a genuine village church that's still doing its job. Allow an hour if you're really taking time to look around, fifteen minutes if you're just passing through.

The real appeal is how it sits within the broader fabric of the area. Staying at Dairymeade Farm Glamping, barely a mile away, means you can visit at your own pace without the coach-tour atmosphere. Pair it with walks through the surrounding Essex countryside and other local churches, and it becomes part of something larger rather than a standalone detour. The nearest substantial town is Dunmow, which gives you proper facilities when you need them.

Freely accessible - as many village churches are - though do check locally before heading out, as hours can be variable. Best visited when you're already exploring the area rather than as a specific destination. Genuine rather than showy.