11 Beautiful Old Churches in England

Old quaint churches abound in the English countryside. Most English small towns and villages have an old church in the middle, since the church has always been the center of town both in location and in the life of the town. All the village churches have the village graveyard surrounding the church. Churches are connected with the beginning, middle and end of life all over the world and in particular in almost every corner of England. I like exploring old churches and look at inscriptions and tombstones as they give me a tiny impression of old moments gone by. Come along with me as I will show you my favorite small and quaint country churches I visited in England.

Finding beautiful old churches in England is not very difficult especially if you are willing to explore the country side. My list of favorite quaint old churches in England is by no means exhaustive or complete, since this list contains only churches I have personally visited and enjoyed. So let's explore together some beautiful old churches in England.

1. Upper Slaughter, Cotswolds

Upper Slaughter, England – The beautiful pathway leading to St Peter's Church.
See my photos from the Cotswolds

St Peter's church is a beautiful Cotswolds church in a lovely and quaint setting. Coming here during the summer you will find the church surrounded by green grass and beautiful trees.

The Cotswolds area of England is world renown for its quaint and peaceful beauty. Upper Slaughter in particular has become part of every Cotswolds tour since it is perched on a small hill with a beautiful stream running at the bottom of it. St Peter's church is located on top of the hill providing a quaint country church setting.

2. St Peter's Church in Cambridge

Quaint St Peter's Church in Cambridge
See my photos from Cambridge

Hiding on a small hilltop in Cambridge, away from most tourists we found the quaint church of St Peter's. Walking up the hill on the stone pathway among the trees is one of my favorite images from visiting Cambridge.
St Peter's is now a single-cell church with a west tower and an octagonal 14th-century spire with dormers. Construction is of stone rubble with pebble for the tower and ashlar for the spire. The church was rebuilt on a reduced scale in 1781, although there are several surviving medieval details. This is my favorite on my list of quaint old churches in England.

A Walking Tour of Cambridge

3. Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, England – Beautiful view of the Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare is buried
See my photos from Stratford Upon Avon

Also known as “Shakespeare's Church”, Holy Trinity Church in Stratford Upon Avon is one of my favorite churches to visit.  The quaint and beautiful walkway leading to the entrance of the church is absolutely delightful and peaceful.  The inside, while ornate, is simple allowing your soul to meditate. Located on the banks of the peaceful Avon River, the natural setting of Holy Trinity Church is simply beautiful.
The Holy Trinity Church is one of my recommended stops on my walking tour of Stratford upon Avon.

Holy Trinity Church website

4. Snowshill, Cotswolds

The beautiful 19th century church in Snowshill.
See my photos from the Cotswolds

Snowshill is a beautiful, tiny village in the Cotswolds. Its old church sits in the middle of the village and looks gorgeous especially in sunset light.

Read more: 11 Cute & Quaint Country Cottages

5. Rockingham Castle Chapel

The chapel at Rockingham Castle
See my photos from Rockingham Castle

Rockingham Castle one of my favorite English castles to visit. St Leonard church near the castle sits in a gorgeous setting overlooking the beautiful countryside surrounding it.
In addition to the beautiful church, Rockingham Castle has one of my favorite British gardens, filled with roses and beautiful arrangements.

6. Tideswell in the Peak District

Tideswell, England – St John the Baptist church.
See my photos from Tideswell

Not a small church, St John the Baptist is located in a gorgeous setting in the Peak District National Park. The church is widely known due to its size and splendor as the “Cathedral of the Peak”. It is one of the most famous churches in Derbyshire and a beautiful entry on my list of old churches in England.

7. Hemmingford Grey

Hemingford Grey, England – St James Church with old tombstones in the courtyard.
See my photos from Cambridgeshire Villages

Hemingford Grey is a tiny village in Cambridgeshire built on the banks of River Ouse. St James Church is located right by the river in a quaint location. We loved walking on the narrow pathway by the river and looking at this gorgeous natural settings.
Crossing the River Ouse from the equally quaint village of Houghton, will bring you away from the business of Cambridge and into a very peaceful setting.

8. Ickleton, England

Ickleton, England – Beautiful trees lining up the entrance to St Mary Magdalen's Church.
See my photos from Cambridgeshire Villages

Driving south from Hemingford Gray, just south of the city of Cambridge, we find the small village of Ickleton. Definitely not on the tourist path, Ickleton has a quaint old church.  If you are visiting Duxford, or the surrounding area, stopping for a few minutes may be worth your time.
St Mary Magdalen's Church was built in the early 12th century and incorporates some columns dating from the Roman times in England.

9. Duxford, England

St Peter's Church in Duxford.
See my photos from Cambridgeshire Villages

Duxford is a village south of Cambridge, with a small and quaint old church. The main attraction in the area is the impressive Imperial War Museum in Duxford. However, the small church of St Peter caught my eye with its old architecture and quiet setting. Built in the 13th century, it has been rebuilt several times during the 14th and 15th centuries.

10. St Botolph's Church in Cambridge

Beautiful old entry door leading to side entrance to St Botolph's church in Cambridge.
See my photos from Cambridge

A seventh-century old abbot dedicated to the patron saint of travelers.  However, the present building mostly dates from the fourteenth century and is built of flint and rubble with Barnack stone dressing. The current tower was built in the fifteenth century. It is surmounted by stone figures representing the four evangelists and has a sundial on the south-west buttress. The four bells were cast in 1460 and are still in use. I love the side entrance to the church especially in the spring when it is surrounded by flowering trees. This is another favorite on my list of old churches in England.

11. Hemingford Abbots

Hemingford Abbots, England – Beautiful wooden covered gate to the St Margaret of Antioch Church.
See my photos from Cambridgeshire Villages

Another tiny village in Cambridgeshire, Hemingford Abbots is hardly distinguishable from its neighbor Hemingford Grey. Wikipedia tells us that there has been a church in this location since 1086 as it is mentioned in the Domesday Record.

How to Find Quaint Old Churches in England?

The best way to discover the English country side is to rent a car and have a good plan. When coming to a village, heading to the center or side of the place will lead you to the local old church.  The best way is to plan your route using beforehand so you don't waste any time finding the interesting places.