Saint Peter's Church

Thirteenth-century stonework rises from Ashbourne's market town streets, marking one of Derbyshire's finest parish churches. Saint Peter's strikes you first with its magnificent 212-foot spire - the tallest in the county and visible for miles across the Peak District's rolling hills.

Inside, the real treasures emerge. Medieval stained glass filters coloured light across elaborate tombs of the Cockayne and Boothby families, their carved effigies telling stories of local power and wealth spanning centuries. The Boothby tomb particularly catches the eye - a proper piece of Tudor craftsmanship that history buffs will spend ages examining.

Families might find the kids' attention wandering after twenty minutes, though the tower climb (when available) usually perks them up. The church sits right in Ashbourne's centre, so it works well as a quick stop before exploring the town's antique shops or grabbing lunch.

If you're staying at one of the nearby sites like Callow Top or Sandybrook Lodges, it's an easy drive into town and pairs nicely with a walk along the Tissington Trail. The church typically opens during daylight hours, though Sunday services might limit access. Allow half an hour unless you're particularly keen on church architecture - then you could easily spend twice that studying the medieval craftsmanship.