All Saints Church, Godshill - Image 1
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All Saints' Church Godshill

4.6
·63 reviews·Godshill, United Kingdom

A medieval church on a picturesque hilltop, famed for rare wall paintings and stunning village views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming flowers, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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All Saints Church, Godshill - Image 1

All Saints' Church Godshill

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming flowers, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A medieval church on a picturesque hilltop, famed for rare wall paintings and stunning village views.

4.6
(63 reviews)

"The most beautiful part is the way to the church. This was one of the most picturesque sights I have gotten in my life."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The path to the church is uphill with steps; comfortable footwear is a must for the scenic climb.

📸 Capture the Views

The exterior and surrounding landscape offer incredible photo opportunities, especially in the late afternoon light.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Wall Paintings

Medieval Wall Paintings

Interior

Marvel at the rare Lily crucifix and St. Veronica's Handkerchief paintings, preserved medieval art.

Picturesque Hilltop Setting

Picturesque Hilltop Setting

Exterior and Grounds

Enjoy breathtaking views over Godshill village and surrounding countryside from this elevated spot.

The Scenic Approach

The Scenic Approach

Path to the Church

The walk up to the church, past charming thatched cottages, is a highlight in itself.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Hilltop Charm

All Saints' Church sits majestically on a hill, offering stunning views. Be prepared for a gentle climb via steps or a scenic slope past thatched cottages to reach its picturesque grounds. The journey is as rewarding as the destination.

Discover Medieval Artistry

This medieval church holds rare treasures, including a unique Lily crucifix wall painting, one of only two in Europe. It also features a fascinating painting of St. Veronica's Handkerchief, both preserved from historical whitewashing.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blooming flowers, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

All Saints' Church, Godshill is a parish church in the Church of England located in Godshill, Isle of Wight.#themodelvillagegodshill #isleofwight #unitedkingdom
journey_with_libin
10 likes • 375 views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The path to the church is uphill with steps; comfortable footwear is a must for the scenic climb. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The exterior and surrounding landscape offer incredible photo opportunities, especially in the late afternoon light. Instagram

So lovely to blow away the cobwebs and focus on the future 🧠 Visits to The Old World Tea Rooms @modelvillagegodshill #allsaintschurchgodshill @seaviewhoteliow and #bembridge #isleofwightlife #everybrainisunique
neuroteachersuk
10 likes • 451 views

🕰️ Allow Time for the Village

Explore the charming village of Godshill with its shops and eateries after your church visit. Reddit

🖼️ Seek Out the Art

Don't miss the unique medieval wall paintings inside; ask for information if needed. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The path to the church is uphill with steps; comfortable footwear is a must for the scenic climb. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The exterior and surrounding landscape offer incredible photo opportunities, especially in the late afternoon light. Instagram

🕰️ Allow Time for the Village

Explore the charming village of Godshill with its shops and eateries after your church visit. Reddit

🖼️ Seek Out the Art

Don't miss the unique medieval wall paintings inside; ask for information if needed. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(63 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the beautiful hilltop setting and the picturesque approach to All Saints' Church Godshill, often highlighting the charming thatched cottages. The rare medieval wall paintings inside are a significant draw for art and history enthusiasts. Some find the interior less grand than expected, but the overall experience is highly regarded for its scenic beauty and historical intrigue.

"For me was the inside of this church not that special but the outside is beautiful. It is standing on a little hill so you have kind of view over the surrounding area. But the most beautiful part is the way to the church. This was one of the most picturesque sights I have gotten in my life"

Oliver Liebmann

"Beautiful church in a beautiful setting on a hill. The church is medieval and noted for its medieval wall painting of a Lily crucifix, one of only two in Europe. The Lily painting was whitewashed out, to save it from destruction during the Reformation, and was only rediscovered in the 19thC. It is also known for its painting of St. Veronica's Handkerchief (see photo)."

Chris Kinnersley

"A great medieval Church which overlooks the village. Stunning location and thatched cottages surround. The only issue is if you want to look it's a steep track with steep steps or the village Rd. Worth the slog though."

G

What People Like

Beautiful hilltop setting
Picturesque approach
Medieval wall paintings

What People Dislike

Steep climb for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located in the village of Godshill on the Isle of Wight. You can drive and park in the village, then walk up to the church. The walk involves a slope or steps, offering lovely views. Reddit

There are car parks available in Godshill village. From there, it's a pleasant walk up to the church. Reddit

Yes, local bus services operate to Godshill village, from where you can walk to the church. Check local bus timetables for routes and times. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to All Saints' Church Godshill is typically free, though donations are welcome to help with its upkeep. Reddit

The church is generally open daily during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or with the Church of England for any specific service times or closures. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted for personal use inside the church, but it's always respectful to be mindful of services or other visitors. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find significant medieval wall paintings, including a rare Lily crucifix and St. Veronica's Handkerchief. The architecture itself is also noteworthy. Reddit

The walk is uphill, either via steps or a slope. While scenic, it requires a moderate level of fitness. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Reddit

Basic facilities might be limited. Restrooms are more likely to be found in the village of Godshill itself. Reddit

It's a medieval church with a rich history, notably its preserved wall paintings that survived the Reformation. The legend of its construction on the hill adds to its mystique. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the church against the sky, the surrounding thatched cottages on the approach, and the panoramic views from the hilltop are excellent for photography. Instagram

Photography of the interior paintings is generally allowed for personal use, but always be discreet and respectful of ongoing services. Instagram

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the charm of the church and its surroundings. Morning light is also lovely and less crowded. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

All Saints' Church Godshill offers a gentle adventure for families. The walk up to the church, past charming thatched cottages, is an engaging part of the experience for children. While the church itself might be quiet, the legend of its construction on the hill can spark imagination. Reddit

Encourage kids to look for the unique wall paintings inside and enjoy the open space around the church for a brief exploration. The village of Godshill also has tearooms and shops that can be a fun stop afterwards. Remember comfortable shoes for the uphill walk. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History & Art Enthusiasts

For those with a passion for history and art, All Saints' Church Godshill is a must-visit. The medieval wall paintings, particularly the rare Lily Crucifix and St. Veronica's Handkerchief, are significant historical and artistic artifacts. Reddit

Take time to appreciate the architectural details of this medieval structure and learn about its legendary construction. The church's preservation through centuries, including surviving the Reformation, makes it a compelling site for understanding historical resilience and artistic heritage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Godshill

The village of Godshill is steeped in legend, and All Saints' Church is at its heart. Local lore suggests that when the church was initially being built at the foot of the hill, the construction would mysteriously disappear overnight, only to reappear at the summit. This happened repeatedly until the villagers decided to build the church on the hilltop, believing it was God's will. This tale gives the village its name, 'Godshill'. Reddit

This story adds a layer of enchantment to the visit, making the hilltop location feel even more significant. It's a charming anecdote that travelers often share, contributing to the unique atmosphere of the place. Reddit

Artistic Treasures Within

All Saints' Church is a repository of rare medieval art, most notably its wall paintings. The Lily Crucifix is a particularly significant find, being one of only two such depictions in Europe. Its survival is remarkable, having been whitewashed over during the Reformation to protect it from destruction, only to be rediscovered in the 19th century. Reddit

Equally captivating is the painting of St. Veronica's Handkerchief. These artworks offer a tangible link to the past, providing a glimpse into the religious and artistic practices of medieval times. Visitors often express awe at the preservation and detail of these ancient murals, making the interior visit a profound experience. InstagramReddit

The Scenic Ascent

The journey to All Saints' Church is an integral part of the experience. Visitors often highlight the 'picturesque' nature of the approach, whether ascending via a series of steps or a gentle slope. This path winds past charming thatched cottages, adding to the idyllic rural scenery. InstagramReddit

This walk is frequently mentioned as a highlight, with many travelers finding the exterior and the grounds to be as beautiful, if not more so, than the interior. The effort of the climb is rewarded with stunning views over the village and the surrounding Isle of Wight countryside, making it a truly memorable part of the visit. Reddit

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