Sacred Wales
Join us on our exploration of sacred Wales.
Ymunwch â ni wrth i ni archwilio Cymru sanctaidd.
Visitor guide
ExploreChurches offer hundreds of interesting days out visiting some of the best church heritage in the UK.
Art, architecture, walking, cream teas, climbing, sculpture, local history, cycling, letterpress design, labyrinths, stained glass, finding a quiet space, stepping back in time, beer, embroidery and Doctor Who.
Churches, chapels and meeting houses are 'treasure houses' of heritage, history and community. They may contain ancient carvings both in stone and timber, traces of wall paintings, green men, wonderful roof bosses, gargoyles and dripstone heads, tombs and monuments, stained glass and more. Very few ancient sites are built in the style of one architectural period, and their history can be traced through the jigsaw of architectural styles. Churchyards are a veritable ‘who's who' of the area. In addition, they are also keepers of traditions and rites that have been practised for generations.
Churches show the evolution of British culture, local heritage, family history and tales of human events and achievements, embellished with architecture, art and craftsmanship.
Whatever your passion, we can help you feed it!
discover our regions
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Treasured Ireland
Find and explore with us, enjoy unique bookable experiences, walk in the steps of the ancestors and embrace the giant spirit of Northern Ireland.
MagnusHagdorn
Hallowed Scotland
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.
North Country England
A land of dramatic scenery; craggy hills and dry stone walls, stunning lake country and vibrant cities, wide open beaches and ancient heritage.
Central Middle England
Enjoy royal estates and quaint honey coloured villages. Architectural jewels abound, not least the great cathedrals, battlefield chapels and sturdy churches.
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Deep South England
From the garden of England to rugged coastlines. From Gothic cathedrals to Georgian churches, there is no shortage of incredible architecture.
Trails
If feeling the earth beneath your boots or bike is your thing, you are in for a treat!
Here we list a wide variety of walks, rides and scenic drives. They are different lengths and over varied terrains. They visit a wide variety of heritage sites, and often explore the history of the whole area in which they are set. They all link to a well laid out and easy to follow route.
Enjoy our stories
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Edge of the world
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.
SilvioSorcini
Thomas Becket
by Linda Patrick
A murder that shook the Middle Ages took place on 29th December 1170. Find out more.
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Hidden Catholic heritage
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.
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Caru dy gymydog
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.
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Beauty in simplicity
by Margaret Bailey
The deliberate simplicity of a Friends Meeting House. They are an escape from the hustle and bustle.
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A church explorers story
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.
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Tirweddau hudol
by Caroline Welch
What is it about the wild and mysterious landscape of Wales?
Beth yw hynodrwydd tirwedd wyllt a diamgyffred Cymru?
CameronNewham
A photographic survey
by CB Newham
January 2020 marked 23 years since I started visiting churches with the aim of recording them photographically.
Dewi Sant
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?
Explore our themes
#VirtualVisits
Enjoy visiting churches, even when you can't get out!
AndreaVail
Nicholas Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor was responsible for six new churches in London, they are his best known independent works of architecture. Each different, each is unique.
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Sir Christopher Wren
One of Britain's most distinguished architects, best known for the design of many London churches, including St Paul's Cathedral.
Cathedrals
The great cathedrals of the world represent one of humanity's most glorious architectural and artistic achievements. They are truly wonderful places to visit.
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National Trust
2020 is the 125th anniversary of the National Trust, which cares for a variety of unique churches and chapels.
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Mayflower 400
2020 is the 400th anniversary of the departure of the Mayflower, with lots of events and activities to enjoy!
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English snowdrops
Head out on a crisp day to explore frosty landscapes and enjoy beautiful displays; lots of churchyards have swathes of snowdrops!
Childrens trails
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.
Fun stuff for kids
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.
Inspire me
Whatever your passion; art, wildlife, sculpture, family history, architecture, walking, rock climbing, searching out the most perfect cream tea or even just finding somewhere quiet to sit and read a book. These are all things you can do in church buildings around the UK.
Here you will find themes to inspire and trails to follow.
Find your favourite
Your favourite churches
Let us know which UK church, chapel, meeting house, cathedral, monastery, or abbey is your favourite. We'll add them to our map!
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Our favourite churches
Welcome to our favourite churches! Every member of the team here at National Churches Trust has chosen their favourite church.
Favourite churches
Discover the favourite churches of some of your favourite people.
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Bill Bryson's favourites
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.
Favourite Welsh walks
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.
How to read a church
Step into history
All churches, chapels and meeting houses have gone through stages of building and development over time. Discover how to spot these architectural details, and step back in time with us to see how a typical parish church might have looked at various points in its life.
Spotters guide
Churches are literally 'treasure houses' of history. Learn what to look for, discover the meaning behind objects and architectural features and uncover their historical significance.
Create memories, taking great photos & videos
Taking great photos
Take lots, all about light, clutter check, chop check, set focus and exposure, get closer, hold steady, hold straight, avoid flash.
Photo composition
Rule of thirds, leading lines, flat lays, foreground interest, frames in the environment, reflections, birds eye view, worms eye view, symmetry.
Emotional photography
Faces, seasons, natural wonders, one detail, minimal, hints and intrigue, golden hour, children, animals, your people, candid, panoramics.
Create great videos
Importance of video, landscape is king, power, hold steady, sound, straighten up, lighting, focus, exposure, background, takes, copyright, model release.
Inform, entertain, enthuse
Audience, aims, storyboard, script, varying the shot, rule of thirds, cutaways, using text, subtitles, timelapse, slow motion, narration.
Technicalities
Transferring files, video editing, iMovie, YouTube, Facebook, Facebook live, Instagram, optimising for search, #explorechurches, sharing, QR codes, play in church.
