St Mary the Virgin, Tilty

The church sits quietly in the Essex countryside near Dunmow, and walking through the graveyard feels like stepping into several centuries at once. St Mary the Virgin is small - genuinely small - which is precisely what makes it worth the detour if you're staying nearby at Hidden Gem Glamping. The building itself dates back to medieval times, and inside you'll find the kind of unadorned simplicity that tells you exactly how villagers worshipped here for hundreds of years. The bell tower catches your eye first, solid and practical rather than showy. What strikes you is how little has changed. There's no cafe, no gift shop, no queueing - just the church and the quiet.

Walkers and history enthusiasts will get genuine value here. Families with young children might find it brief - you're looking at 20 minutes inside unless you're genuinely keen on brass rubbings and medieval stonework. The churchyard is pleasant for a wander, and if you're doing a walking route through rural Essex, this makes a natural stop. It's the kind of place where you'll likely be alone, which some people love and others find a bit eerie depending on the time of day.

There's no charge to visit, and opening hours are typically accessible during daylight. The location works well as part of a wider explore of the Dunmow area if you're based at a glamping site. Don't expect bells and whistles - expect authenticity and a genuine slice of village England that time hasn't rushed to modernise.