The newspaper is encouraging people to find out more about churches “because nothing tells the story of a village like its church.”
Introducing the list, it said: “The Church of England reckons that 35 to 50 million people visit churches each year as tourists; on average, a parish church might expect between 700 and 4,000. But it should be more. Because nothing tells the story of a village like its church.
“These often ancient buildings go far beyond worship. They are keepers of folklore, galleries of master craftsmanship, records of births, deaths and upheavals.
@touringroaming Church of St Michael and All Angels in #GreatWitley in #Worcestershire , #England. A fantastic and rare example of #baroque style in the #countryside ♬ Solas x Interstellar – Gabriel Albuquerqüe
“There is always something interesting to be found. For inspiration, look to the Churches Conservation Trust, the Friends of Friendless Churches and our list of 15 of the best…”
In seventh place on the list is St Michael and All Saints church in Great Witley which is “festooned with bling”.
What did The Telegraph say about Great Witley’s village church?
The church is open 12-3pm from April to October and you can find out more about it via the website.
If you’d like to make your visit longer, the newspaper recommends staying at the Manor at Abberley which is close by.
Double rooms are available from £100 per night and you can book your stay on its website.
The Telegraph compliments the church’s interior, writing: “That such an ebullience of Italianate Baroque lurks in the quiet Teme Valley seems frankly ridiculous.
@roaming.rucksack Great Witley church near Abberley ⛪️ #church #greatwitley #malvern #malvernhills #abberley #greatwitleychurch #englishheritage #tearoom #travel #visit #adventure #trip #dayout #wheretonext #roamingrucksack #wheretovisit #traveltok #traveltiktok ♬ Makeba – Jain
“Built in the 18th century, Great Witley’s church is festooned with bling: there are ceiling paintings by Antonio Bellucci, painted glass windows by Joshua Price, a glittering mosaic reredos, superb carved woodwork and mighty marble monuments.
“The organ is enormous and the acoustics lauded – both can be experienced at concerts held here in the summer months. The church was once attached to a Great Witley Court, a Jacobean manor, now sitting in atmospheric ruins amid wonderful gardens and run by English Heritage.”
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The church has impressed visitors, gaining it a 4.7 star rating on Google Reviews with one writing: “The parish church of St Michael and All Saints at Great Witley is an absolute must visit. This has to be the finest example of a baroque church upon these shores. The moment you walk in you just go wow. The interior is magnificent.
“The church is free to enter however donations are welcomed. There is parking near the church by the Garden Cafe or at the English Heritage Car park if also visiting Witley Court.”
Another person shared: “Stunning church and well looked after. Definitely worth seeing when visiting Witley Court and Gardens.”