Discover Marston

Marston on Dove can be explored through several distinct interests: architectural history at the Church of St Mary and The Hall, the riverside landscape at the Old River Dove, and farm-based activities. These themes differ considerably. At the church, the focus is on building phases spanning several centuries; at the river, on a former meander; and at Grange Farm, on practical programmes. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Marston, you can first decide which of these themes is the main reason for your trip.

Architectural history at the Church of St Mary and The Hall

The Church of St Mary contains fabric dating from the 13th, early 14th and 15th centuries, and was restored in the 19th century. Several older building phases meet here alongside a much later restoration. If you are interested in historic churches, you can trace a development spanning several centuries rather than seeing a building from just one period.

Northeast of the Church of St Mary stands a lychgate dating from the early 20th century. This Grade II listed structure is made of sandstone and wood. A detail inside the church is also part of its recorded architectural history: the Church of St Mary has an 18th-century organ case, which, according to tradition, came from Sudbury Hall.

The Hall in Marston on Dove is a Grade II listed building and a small country house. Its core dates from the late 18th century; extensions followed in 1837 and 1887. Two distinct architectural histories therefore stand side by side: the church encompasses several medieval building phases and a later restoration, while The Hall combines an older core with two dated extensions.

The former river meander at the Old River Dove

The Old River Dove Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lies south of the village of Marston-on-Dove. It is an old river meander that was cut off from the present course of the River Dove by river engineering works in the 19th century. The name Old River Dove thus refers to the former river channel; the site’s distinctive character can be understood by comparing this meander with the river’s present course. For nature enthusiasts, it offers a tangible insight into the river’s historical transformation.

Farm activities in Marston

At Grange Farm in Marston on Dove, Countryside Connect CIC offers farm-based home education programmes. These include practical activities, encounters with animals and nature experiences. Grange Farm also offers hobby horse fitness, with obstacle courses, movement games and hobby horse activities. The programmes have different focuses: one centres on nature experiences and practical farm activities, the other on movement and hobby horses. This makes it easy to choose between the activities according to the theme that interests you.

Marston Farm invites visitors to visit the farm.

Discover more destinations: Taddington, Bakewell, Matlock, Eyam, Brimington, Whatstandwell, Crich, Chapel-En-Le-Frith

For the main travel overview: Derbyshire.