Visitor guide

Join us on our exploration of sacred Wales.
Ymunwch â ni wrth i ni archwilio Cymru sanctaidd.

Find and explore with us, enjoy unique bookable experiences, walk in the steps of the ancestors and embrace the giant spirit of Northern Ireland.

The sacred heritage of Scotland stretches back thousands and thousands of years. Relive the past and witness the wondrous monuments that today proudly tell their stories.

A land of dramatic scenery; craggy hills and dry stone walls, stunning lake country and vibrant cities, wide open beaches and ancient heritage.

Enjoy royal estates and quaint honey coloured villages. Architectural jewels abound, not least the great cathedrals, battlefield chapels and sturdy churches.

From the garden of England to rugged coastlines. From Gothic cathedrals to Georgian churches, there is no shortage of incredible architecture.

by Sarah Crossland
Incredible churches in wild landscapes.

by Sarah Crossland
The UK has just over 40 tidal islands, some large, many very small.
The best are home to unique churches and chapels, often with monastic beginnings and built for peace and tranquillity.

by John Norman
Mozart called it ‘the King of Instruments’. Discover fascinating church organs, with an intro by Huw Edwards.

by Linda Patrick
A murder that shook the Middle Ages took place on 29th December 1170. Find out more.

by Elena Curti
It’s amazing how a chat with a colleague over coffee can spark an idea. That is how I came to write my book, Fifty Catholic Churches to See Before You Die.

by Caroline Welch
Wales is said to be the castle capital of the world, with more castles per square mile than any other country. But what many people don’t know is that our churches are even older than our castles.

by Margaret Bailey
The deliberate simplicity of a Friends Meeting House. They are an escape from the hustle and bustle.

by Caroline Welch
What is it about the wild and mysterious landscape of Wales?
Beth yw hynodrwydd tirwedd wyllt a diamgyffred Cymru?

by Caroline Welch
It is the most important day in the Welsh calendar, but who was Dewi Sant?
Dyma'r diwrnod pwysicaf yng nghalendr Cymru, ond pwy oedd Dewi Sant?

by Bill Nicholls
I think if any one asked me why I liked visiting churches, I would not be able to put a finger on it. But there was always a draw for me.

by CB Newham
January 2021 marked 24 years since I started visiting churches with the aim of recording them photographically.

Enjoy visiting churches, even when you can't get out!

Hawksmoor was responsible for six new churches in London, they are his best known independent works of architecture. Each different, each is unique.

One of Britain's most distinguished architects, best known for the design of many London churches, including St Paul's Cathedral.

The great cathedrals of the world represent one of humanity's most glorious architectural and artistic achievements. They are truly wonderful places to visit.

2020 is the 125th anniversary of the National Trust, which cares for a variety of unique churches and chapels.

2020 is the 400th anniversary of the departure of the Mayflower, with lots of events and activities to enjoy!

Head out on a crisp day to explore frosty landscapes and enjoy beautiful displays; lots of churchyards have swathes of snowdrops!

We are working with The Arts Society to add their wonderful children's to our church pages. The number will grow over coming months, but here is a page with all the trails online so far.

After months of school work on your kitchen table, you deserve a break.
Each week of the summer holidays we will create a new page of fun things to do in a church or churchyard, or from home.

Let us know which UK church, chapel, meeting house, cathedral, monastery, or abbey is your favourite. We'll add them to our map!

Welcome to our favourite churches! Every member of the team here at National Churches Trust has chosen their favourite church.

Discover the favourite churches of some of your favourite people.

Everybody loves Bill Bryson. Here he chooses 14 of his favourite churches, including Durham Cathedral, The Italian Chapel in Orkney and London’s St Martin’s in the Fields.

Looking for ideas for some amazing walks this year? If you like atmospheric places off the beaten track, Wales’ ancient churches are a great place to start. We asked friends of the National Churches Trust, to recommend their favourites.

Take lots, all about light, clutter check, chop check, set focus and exposure, get closer, hold steady, hold straight, avoid flash.

Rule of thirds, leading lines, flat lays, foreground interest, frames in the environment, reflections, birds eye view, worms eye view, symmetry.

Faces, seasons, natural wonders, one detail, minimal, hints and intrigue, golden hour, children, animals, your people, candid, panoramics.

Importance of video, landscape is king, power, hold steady, sound, straighten up, lighting, focus, exposure, background, takes, copyright, model release.

Audience, aims, storyboard, script, varying the shot, rule of thirds, cutaways, using text, subtitles, timelapse, slow motion, narration.

Transferring files, video editing, iMovie, YouTube, Facebook, Facebook live, Instagram, optimising for search, #explorechurches, sharing, QR codes, play in church.