St John the Baptist Church Edlingham
A beautiful, ancient Saxon and Norman church in Northumberland, still in use, adjacent to Edlingham Castle ruins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St John the Baptist Church Edlingham
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, ancient Saxon and Norman church in Northumberland, still in use, adjacent to Edlingham Castle ruins.
"Lovely little church we ventured into when visiting Edlingham castle."
Sign the Guest Book
Leave your mark and a donation to help maintain this historic church. Every bit helps! :heart:
Explore Castle Ruins
Don't miss the adjacent Edlingham Castle ruins – a perfect historical pairing. :castle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Saxon Origins
Edlingham
Discover the earliest Saxon foundations dating back to 740 AD, a testament to centuries of worship.
Norman Architecture
Edlingham
Admire the Norman-era stone church, with significant additions from the 12th century.
Unique Pulpit
Interior
See the surprising sandstone block pulpit with iron railings, a curious addition to the historic interior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Combine with Castle Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sign the Guest Book
Leave your mark and a donation to help maintain this historic church. Every bit helps! :heart:
Explore Castle Ruins
Don't miss the adjacent Edlingham Castle ruins – a perfect historical pairing. :castle:
Parking Availability
Limited parking for about 5 cars is usually available. Arrive early if possible. :car:
Local History Book
Check out the interesting book inside with local history and tales for deeper insights. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Sign the Guest Book
Leave your mark and a donation to help maintain this historic church. Every bit helps! :heart:
Explore Castle Ruins
Don't miss the adjacent Edlingham Castle ruins – a perfect historical pairing. :castle:
Parking Availability
Limited parking for about 5 cars is usually available. Arrive early if possible. :car:
Local History Book
Check out the interesting book inside with local history and tales for deeper insights. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. John the Baptist Church for its beautiful, historic setting and its continued use for worship. The proximity to Edlingham Castle ruins is a significant draw, offering a combined historical experience. Some find the unique sandstone pulpit a curious addition to the ancient architecture.
"Beautiful church that is still used for worship. The doors are open to visitors passing through. There are information boards about Edlingham Castle that is located close to the church. There is also an interesting book with local history and tales."
Melanie Hudson
"Very pretty and historic church, still used for worship and well worth a visit, as is the adjacent castle. Was surprised to see a sandstone block pulpit with iron railings in such an old building. Looked as though someone had used the leftovers from their building project! With so many churches closing, it should have been relatively easy to find one more in keeping with the rest of the building."
Dorothy Granger
"Beautiful old church next to Edlingham castle. Lots of history. Still in use."
B Moffat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in the village of Edlingham, Northumberland. It's best accessed by car, with limited parking available nearby. The nearest major towns are Alnwick and Morpeth.
Public transport options are limited in this rural area. Bus services may run to nearby villages, but a car is generally recommended for ease of access.
Use a GPS or mapping app with the address 'Edlingham, Northumberland' and look for signs for the church and castle ruins upon arrival in the village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required. The church is usually open to visitors during the day, as it is still used for worship. Donations are greatly appreciated to help with upkeep.
The church is typically open most days, but hours can vary as it is an active place of worship. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
There is no set entrance fee, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation to support the church's maintenance, which costs approximately £750 per week.
While visitors are welcome, it's important to be respectful of ongoing services. Check local listings or contact church officials if you plan to visit during a specific time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find information boards about the church and local history, a book of local tales, and a unique sandstone pulpit with iron railings.
Yes, the church and its setting are very picturesque. The combination of the historic architecture and the surrounding countryside makes for beautiful photos.
The church has Saxon origins from 740 AD, with the main stone structure dating from the Norman period and further work in the 12th century, making it a site of considerable historical importance.
Facilities are basic, as it is a historic church. Restrooms may not be available on-site, so plan accordingly. The focus is on the historical and spiritual experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are limited directly at the church. You'll find more choices in nearby towns like Alnwick or Morpeth, which offer a range of pubs and restaurants.
The surrounding countryside is lovely for a picnic. There are no specific picnic areas designated at the church itself, but you can find scenic spots nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the church's exterior against the backdrop of the castle ruins and the surrounding rural landscape. The interior, with its unique pulpit, also offers interesting photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but always be respectful of worshippers and avoid using flash if it might be disruptive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to look at the information boards and perhaps draw pictures of the church or castle. The peaceful countryside setting is also pleasant for a short break. Remember to keep noise levels down out of respect for the active place of worship.
🚶 History Buffs & Photographers
Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the church's character, both inside and out. The rustic charm, the surrounding landscape, and the juxtaposition with the castle ruins provide a variety of scenic shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The church is situated in a picturesque setting, nestled beside a burn and in close proximity to the atmospheric ruins of Edlingham Castle. This juxtaposition of a living place of worship and ancient ruins offers a powerful sense of historical continuity. Visitors often remark on the peaceful and quiet atmosphere, enhanced by the beautiful countryside surrounding the village.
Inside, the church holds a few surprises, including a distinctive sandstone block pulpit with iron railings. This feature, described by some as looking like it was made from building project leftovers, adds a unique character to the interior and sparks conversation among visitors.
Visiting Etiquette and Practicalities
Parking is limited, with space for approximately five cars. Arriving early, especially during peak seasons or weekends, is advisable to secure a spot.
For those interested in local lore, an informative book filled with local history and tales is usually available inside the church. This provides a deeper understanding of the village and its heritage.
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