Exterior of the church
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St Mary and St Barlok Church Norbury

4.8
Β·11 reviewsΒ·Norbury, United Kingdom

A historic church with stunning 13th-century stained glass and unique architectural features, nestled in a peaceful rural setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Windows glow like lanterns

CrowdLow
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Exterior of the church

St Mary and St Barlok Church Norbury

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Windows glow like lanterns

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic church with stunning 13th-century stained glass and unique architectural features, nestled in a peaceful rural setting.

4.8
(11 reviews)

"Beautiful church, bit tricky to find as poorly signposted but very much worth the time to view it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Combine with Norbury Hall

Visit alongside the National Trust's Norbury Hall for a fuller experience. Parking is available outside.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigate Carefully

The church is poorly signposted, so use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 Β· 11 reviews

Type

Church

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Exterior

Unique Exterior

Church Entrance

Discover a fascinating, altered church entrance that sets this historic building apart.

13th Century Stained Glass

13th Century Stained Glass

Interior

Marvel at exquisite 13th-century stained glass windows that glow like a lantern when the light hits them.

Intricate Tombs

Intricate Tombs

Interior

Explore beautifully preserved tombs, offering a glimpse into the church's rich history.

Saxon Cross Shafts

Saxon Cross Shafts

Churchyard

Discover intriguing Saxon cross shafts, adding another layer of ancient history to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Finding This Hidden Gem

St Mary and St Barlok Church can be a bit tricky to find due to poor signage. Plan your route in advance and consider it part of the adventure! It's often visited alongside the National Trust's Norbury Hall, so combining the two makes for a great day out.

Parking and Opening Times

Parking is available outside the church, though it can be limited. While the church is generally open daily, it's wise to check specific opening times if you wish to explore the interior fully, especially to admire the 13th-century glass.

Best Times

When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Windows glow like lanterns
Crowd
Low
When
Any day
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Combine with Norbury Hall

Visit alongside the National Trust's Norbury Hall for a fuller experience. Parking is available outside. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigate Carefully

The church is poorly signposted, so use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive. Reddit

πŸ“– Purchase a Guidebook

A detailed guidebook is available for purchase, offering in-depth history and information. Reddit

✨ Admire the Light

Visit when the sun is right to see the 13th-century glass truly shine. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Combine with Norbury Hall

Visit alongside the National Trust's Norbury Hall for a fuller experience. Parking is available outside. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigate Carefully

The church is poorly signposted, so use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive. Reddit

πŸ“– Purchase a Guidebook

A detailed guidebook is available for purchase, offering in-depth history and information. Reddit

✨ Admire the Light

Visit when the sun is right to see the 13th-century glass truly shine. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find St Mary and St Barlok Church a beautiful and worthwhile destination, often described as a hidden gem. While the church is praised for its unique exterior, stunning 13th-century stained glass, and historical tombs, some note that it can be difficult to find due to poor signage. Combining the visit with nearby attractions like Norbury Hall is a popular recommendation.

"Great adventure finding this church. Wasn't disappointed. Beautiful and a lovely drive out."

Ruth Wilson

"Beautiful church, bit tricky to find as poorly signposted but very much worth the time to view it.

The exterior is unique and particularly interesting as they changed the entrance to the church, lots of detailed information is provided inside the church which is extremely informative.

The stain glass windows are beautiful and well worth a look."

Vicki Cook

"This church is next to NT norbury Hall and has a limited parking but is open every day. If near the area or visiting the NT property make sure you visit the church. It has some incredible tombs and 13thc glass which when the light is right makes you feel your inside a lantern. There is also a couple of saxon cross shafts to get excited by. Def a great church and well worth a visit"

kevin mills

What People Like

Beautiful stained glass
Unique exterior
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Poorly signposted

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The church is often described as poorly signposted, making it a bit of an adventure to find. Using GPS and planning your route in advance is highly recommended. Many visitors find it by heading towards the National Trust's Norbury Hall, as the church is located nearby. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available outside the church. However, it can be limited, so arriving earlier in the day or combining your visit with Norbury Hall might be beneficial. Reddit

Driving is the most common and practical way to reach St Mary and St Barlok Church, especially given its rural location and limited public transport options. The drive itself is often described as lovely. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The church is generally open every day, but it's always a good idea to check specific opening hours if you plan to go inside, especially if you want to see the interior details. Reddit

There is no mention of admission fees for visiting the church itself. Entry is typically free, though donations are often welcome to help with upkeep. Reddit

Even if the church is closed for services or specific events, the churchyard is usually accessible and still offers a lovely atmosphere to explore, with exterior views and historical markers. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find beautiful 13th-century stained glass windows that are particularly stunning when the light is right, creating a lantern-like effect. There are also incredibly detailed tombs and informative displays about the church's history. Reddit

The church's exterior is notable for its unique entrance, which has been altered over time. This distinctive feature makes it stand out from many other historic churches. Reddit

Absolutely! Besides the tombs and stained glass, the churchyard features a couple of Saxon cross shafts, offering a glimpse into even earlier periods of history. Reddit

Yes, visitors consistently describe the church and its surroundings as a very peaceful place, offering a tranquil escape. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“· Photography

While not explicitly stated, photography is generally permitted in churches for personal use, provided it doesn't disrupt services or other visitors. Be mindful of the delicate stained glass and historical artifacts. Reddit

The 13th-century stained glass windows are a must-photograph, especially when the sunlight streams through them. The unique exterior entrance and the ancient tombs also make for compelling shots. The churchyard with its Saxon crosses offers a different photographic perspective. Reddit

For capturing the stained glass at its best, aim for a sunny afternoon when the light can create a beautiful 'lantern' effect. Reddit

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St Mary and St Barlok Church Norbury (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide