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

Must-see attractions
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Windows glow like lanterns

Windows glow like lanterns

Must-see attractions
A historic church with stunning 13th-century stained glass and unique architectural features, nestled in a peaceful rural setting.
"Beautiful church, bit tricky to find as poorly signposted but very much worth the time to view it."

Visit alongside the National Trust's Norbury Hall for a fuller experience. Parking is available outside.
The church is poorly signposted, so use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive.

4.8 · 11 reviews
Church
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Church Entrance
Discover a fascinating, altered church entrance that sets this historic building apart.
Interior
Marvel at exquisite 13th-century stained glass windows that glow like a lantern when the light hits them.
Interior
Explore beautifully preserved tombs, offering a glimpse into the church's rich history.
Churchyard
Discover intriguing Saxon cross shafts, adding another layer of ancient history to your visit.
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Visit alongside the National Trust's Norbury Hall for a fuller experience. Parking is available outside.
The church is poorly signposted, so use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive.
A detailed guidebook is available for purchase, offering in-depth history and information.
Visit when the sun is right to see the 13th-century glass truly shine.
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Visit alongside the National Trust's Norbury Hall for a fuller experience. Parking is available outside.
The church is poorly signposted, so use GPS and enjoy the scenic drive.
A detailed guidebook is available for purchase, offering in-depth history and information.
Visit when the sun is right to see the 13th-century glass truly shine.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, visitors consistently describe the church and its surroundings as a very peaceful place, offering a tranquil escape.
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.
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.
For capturing the stained glass at its best, aim for a sunny afternoon when the light can create a beautiful 'lantern' effect.
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