St Mary's Church, Tissington

The church sits at the heart of Tissington village, a proper stone-built affair with real character that's been there since medieval times. You'll find it right in the centre of the settlement, impossible to miss if you're wandering about - and you should be wandering about, because Tissington itself is the sort of place that rewards a slow explore.

Inside, there's the usual mix of ecclesiastical bits and bobs: carved stone work, some decent monuments, and that particular smell only old churches have. The village well-dressing tradition is closely tied to St Mary's, which happens every May - a proper spectacle if you're here for it, though even outside those dates the church holds its own as a quiet spot to duck into.

It works best for people who actually enjoy looking around churches rather than ticking boxes. If you've got the kids, they'll last maybe forty minutes before getting restless, so combine it with a proper walk around the village itself - there's good countryside on all sides. Ashbourne is less than a mile away, so it's easy to slot this into a broader afternoon exploring that part of Derbyshire.

Staying at Ashbourne Heights puts you basically on the doorstep. If you're based further out at Callow Top or Hoe Grange Holidays, it's a short drive or a decent walk depending on your mood. The church is free to visit, as most are - though donations are always welcome - and there's no set opening hours that'll lock you out. Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewest other people about.