Sutton On The Hill: Church, History and Circular Walk

Sutton On The Hill offers several clearly defined starting points for planning a trip: St Michael's Church, with its medieval features and churchyard; Sutton Hall, with its historic garden wall; and the Three Churches Circular Walk and NCN68 Pennine Cycleway. When looking for a hotel in Sutton On The Hill, you can decide in advance whether sacred architecture, local building history, or a walking or cycling route will be the focus of your stay.

St Michael's Church and its churchyard

St Michael's Church is a Grade II* listed building. The church includes a west tower and an arcade dating from the 14th century; the body of the church was completely rebuilt in 1863. Thirteen silver coins from the reign of Henry III were found in the foundations of the north aisle in 1863. A historically significant bell dates from around 1400 and was made by J de Colsale. The medieval features, rebuilding of the body of the church and discovery of the coins point to different aspects of the church's history.

The churchyard also has its own historic and landscape details. A short avenue of yew trees is part of its design. There are also three Grade II listed gravestones. On one pair of gravestones, the curved gable finials are decorated with acanthus leaves. The lychgate at St Michael's Church was built around 1863. The church is used for services; a communion service is held there at 11 am on the first Sunday of each month.

Sutton Hall and the crinkle-crankle wall

Sutton Hall was built around 1815 and extended in the late 19th century. The crinkle-crankle wall lies west of the house and is an early 19th-century garden wall. It forms the western boundary of Sutton Hall's gardens and is approximately ten feet, or around three metres, high. The house and wall offer different historical points of reference: the Hall's construction date and later extension are part of the building's history, while the wall's location, function as a garden boundary and approximate height are distinctive features.

Walking and cycling routes

The Three Churches Circular Walk starts at St Michael's Church and passes the crinkle-crankle wall. If you are planning this circular walk, check current trail conditions before your trip. The existing NCN68 Pennine Cycleway runs along Ash Lane in the parish of Sutton on the Hill. For the cycling route, it is also advisable to check current waymarking and conditions before setting out. The two route descriptions provide different starting points for planning: the church and garden wall for the circular walk, and Ash Lane for the cycling route.

St Michael's Church offers wide-ranging views, particularly towards the Peak District. This adds a landscape perspective to the historic details. For visitors focusing on architecture and history, the church building and churchyard are the main attractions; those who prefer spending time outdoors can use the information about the circular walk or cycling route as a guide for their stay.

Sutton-on-the-Hill Village Hall can be hired for celebrations, meetings, activities and local events. Alongside the church, Hall and routes, a local venue is another specific consideration that may play a part in planning a stay in Sutton On The Hill.

Discover more destinations: Furness Vale, Duckmanton, North Wingfield, Ault Hucknall, Newton, Birch Vale, Smalley, Bolsover.

For the wider travel overview: Derbyshire.