Churches in the United Kingdom

Discover 150 unusual churches in the United Kingdom.

Soutra Aisle

The ruins of a world-renowned medieval hospital.

Winchester, England

Curle’s Passage Riddle

Four hundred years ago, this turned-about message was carved into one of Winchester Cathedral's exterior walls.

Portnahaven, Scotland

Portnahaven Church

According to local legend, this church was built with two doors, so that residents of two rival villages had their own entrances.

Pickering, England

Church of St. Peter & St. Paul

Remarkable medieval wall paintings decorate this 12th-century, dog-friendly church.

Burgh Saint Peter, England

The Tower of St Mary's Church

The story behind this uniquely-shaped tower involves ancient empires, local legends, and new words.

Nately Scures, England

Mermaid of Nately Scures

From amidst her whirling waves, this mermaid sees all who pass through St. Swithun’s Church. If local legends are to be believed, she serves as a warning.

Bowmore Round Church

Bowmore, Scotland

Bowmore Round Church

This remote Scottish island has the only round church in the nation.

Altar and relic

Reliquary of St. Margaret Clitherow

The preserved left hand of a saint once known as "the Pearl of York."

Battle of Alton Bullet Holes

The door of St. Lawrence’s Church features small scars from a battle that took place nearly 400 years ago.

Old High Church Kirkyard

Inverness, Scotland

Old High Church Kirkyard

The oldest church in Inverness witnessed the brutal executions of many Scottish soldiers.

Mansfield Traquair Centre

Edinburgh, Scotland

Mansfield Traquair Centre

Edinburgh’s version of the Sistine Chapel is this former church, with an interior covered in paintings done by one woman over the course of nearly a decade.

'The Prick of Consciousness'

A stained-glass window from the 15th century offers a vision of the end of the world.

Pathway through St Magnus

London, England

Remains of the Old London Bridge

Only a few pieces remain of the structure that carried people and goods across the Thames for some 600 years.

Chalmers Memorial Church

Port Seton, Scotland

Chalmers Memorial Church

The true beauty of this church is showcased in the hand-painted stencils across the ceiling.

Giants of St. Dunstan-in-the-West

London, England

Giants of St. Dunstan-in-the-West

A pair of club-wielding guardians stand watch over London's first public clock to feature a minute hand.

Mucklestone Anvil

Mucklestone, England

Mucklestone Church Anvil

Sitting among the tombstones and trees, this anvil tells a story of crowns, conflicts, and craftsmanship.