Discover Marston: Village Church, River Arm and Country Life

Marston combines remarkable architectural history with nature along the former course of the River Dove and hands-on experiences on the farm. When planning a trip, you can choose between cultural and historical discoveries, a walk along the Old River Dove and activities centred on agriculture and country life. A holiday apartment in Marston can serve as a base for the focus that best suits your trip.

Architectural history around the Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary contains fabric dating from the 13th, early 14th and 15th centuries and was restored in the 19th century. The 18th-century organ case is also particularly interesting; according to tradition, it came from Sudbury Hall. The church therefore offers several historical points of interest that can be explored independently of one another.

Northeast of the Church of St Mary stands the Lychgate north east of church of St Mary, a Grade II listed structure made of sandstone and timber from the early 20th century. The Hall in Marston on Dove is also part of the local architectural history: the Grade II listed building is a small country house with a core dating from the late 18th century and extensions from 1837 and 1887.

Travellers interested in churches, historic buildings and rural architecture can make these themes a specific part of their trip planning. As part of Heritage Open Days, St Mary's Church is open to the public on Saturday, 19 September, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, 20 September, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can also climb the tower; age restrictions apply to this access.

The Old River Dove as a nature experience

South of the village of Marston-on-Dove lies the Old River Dove Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is an old river meander that was separated from the present course of the River Dove by river engineering works in the 19th century. A footpath follows the bank of this former river arm along the Old River Dove.

This landscape is particularly appealing to travellers who want to combine observing nature and physical activity with a cultural stay. The path along the former river course offers a different focus from the village's buildings: here, the development of the river landscape takes centre stage. When planning your trip, consider whether you would prefer to spend the day taking in historical impressions or staying by the Old River Dove.

Hands-on farm experiences

At Grange Farm in Marston on Dove, Hilton, Derbyshire, DE65 5GB, Countryside Connect CIC offers farm-based home education activities with hands-on activities, animal encounters and nature experiences. The programme also includes hobby-horse fitness with obstacle courses, movement games and hobby-horse activities. Countryside Connect CIC creates opportunities for people of all ages to discover nature, agriculture and country life through practical experiences.

Marston Farm also invites visitors to visit the farm. For families with children of different ages, the various types of experience provide opportunities to shape the programme around more than one activity and combine different interests with the rhythm of the day.

Further places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare Marston with other destinations, you can find additional places here for your research: Bonsall, Barlborough, Ashover, Risley, Ashbourne, Clowne, Ticknall and Chinley.

Whether you are interested in the history of churches and houses, the former river course or hands-on farm experiences, your choice of holiday apartment can sensibly reflect your preferred type of trip. In this way, Marston remains more than just a place to stay and becomes a base for different ways of exploring.

For the higher-level travel overview: Derbyshire.