Emmanuel Church, Plymouth
Emmanuel Church
Emmanuel Church
5
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1-2 hours
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Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
650 within 3 miles

The Early Bird
139
0.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British

Zephyr Burgers
32
0.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food

Rise & Grind
12
0.3 mi$ • Bar • Cafe • British

Sage Cafe
86
0.4 mi$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly

The Hyde Park Pub
497
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Bar • British

The Little Kitchen
79
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Beer restaurants

Mutleys Munchies
34
0.4 mi$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly

Mirello Sandwich Bar
7
0.3 mi$ • Fast Food • British • Street Food

Hunger Fix & The Vault
12
0.4 miQuick Bites • Cafe • Fast Food • British

Wokfusion
105
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Thai
Attractions
214 within 6 miles

Thorn Park
24
422 ftParks

Sir Francis Drake
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0.2 miMonuments & Statues

Bulletproof Brewing
11
0.4 miBreweries

Hartley Park
7
0.3 miParks

Roam Brewing Company Taproom
17
0.4 miBreweries

The Box
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1 miArt Galleries • Art Museums

Plymouth Synagogue
291
1.4 miReligious Sites

Mutley Park
11
0.4 miParks

Plymouth Gin Distillery
979
1.4 miDistilleries

Barbican Theatre
249
1.5 miTheaters
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
22 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Chas C
Plymouth, UK275 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
Set in flush affluent Mannamead but drawing a wider crowd including many students, this late Victorian chunky church caters very successfully for the spiritual needs of a large mix of people. Plenty of music, a generally thoughtful and engaging style of service and plenty of community spirit. I have been here many times with my brother and his family. It's what I always hoped a parish church could be like. Open airy interior. I hope someone soon posts some indoor photographs. Watch out for the Thursday evening bell ringing practice. Well executed change ringing but some very stimulating other styles. Perhaps someone could post some video with bell audio?
Written August 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Izzy B
127 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
The bells were so good this morning we sat for 35 minutes in the park just listening to them on a very warm blue skyed peaceful late September morning. Don't know whether they are big bells or whether it is a particularly well designed bell tower or whether (as I doubt) there is some form of skilful hidden amplification, but they were great. We listened to possibly five different sequences, all so far as we could tell flawless. Don't think I've heard better except once or twice in Central London on special days or from Cathedrals. And it's all entirely free and rings out across Manamead, Hartley, Compton, Mutley and towards Peverell. Almost made us feel a bit sheepish as non-believers, for not following the small family groups and others making their way over towards the church.
Written September 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Hettie W
Plymouth, UK127 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
It may seem an odd approach to a review of an Attraction but I don't think it is unreasonable or inappropriate to say that on the only two recent occasions I have had cause to come to this very approachable and welcoming church has been to the funerals of close and very dear friends. Although the content of both services were arranged by family and friends in both cases, the church could not have been more supportive and helpful and the simple dignified interior together with the organ and available seating and additional space made for just the right facility. I have often driven by and seen it as the backdrop to big weddings. And of course, as other reviewers have identified, the bells are exceptional.
Written September 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Josie W
Plymouth, UK79 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
Nothing's staid or detached here. It's a friendly busy inclusive set up, with a lot going on all year round.
Written August 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Hilly J
Plymouth, UK2,078 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
A significant landmark to the left of one of the main roads into the centre of Plymouth, this big Victorian CofE church has a large congregation, welcomes newcomers and visitors, is well equipped, active in the community and has a particularly good set of bells and ringers.
Written August 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Chris D
United kingdom241 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
Perhaps the most impressive part of the fabric at Emmanuel. On my visit it was a clear bright morning and it looked great but there was no one afterwards who could help me with more information. Perhaps they could have a leaflet or a plaque with some detail.
Written November 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JannerfromDevon
Devon5 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
I recently attended a Rememberance Day Service which was very moving. I have attended the Church on many occasions from the wonderful Carol service, weddings, funerals, Communion and family services. The Clergy and congregation are very welcoming. It is a family friendly Church and a great place be. The organ and organist are exceptionally good and there is an excellent set of bells
Written November 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Paul S
Plymouth, UK124 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
We came in good time and got decent seats by the central aisle. The bells were excellent, there was a good attendance which grew steadily until just on midnight itself. Good service, the better carols, a committed congregation, just the right mood. The vicar or celebrant made a not too long pithy address - Jesus was an historical fact, we all have to die, He lived and died for us, engage, give thanks and work on it. Came away uplifted and ready for the next 24hours and beyond.
Only slight criticism, the calendar on the church website needs a bit of work and could be clearer with more detail.
Only slight criticism, the calendar on the church website needs a bit of work and could be clearer with more detail.
Written December 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nick K
130 contributions
Always lovely to visit this time of year and remember what Christmas is really all about. Very welcoming, with great stain glass windows.
Written December 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WillTraveloften
Plymouth, UK40 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
I go along to Emmanuel Church when I'm staying with my Plymouth family. I'm always surprised and delighted at the simplicity of Carl's Church. There is a wonderful welcoming atmosphere. Given that my own background is rather Anglo-Catholic, it's great that we recognise that we worship the same Trinity, if in different ways.
Written January 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jannerbloke
Devon, UK11,967 contributions
Do you have to be an Anglican and have attended services regularly, in order to show an interest in bell ringing? Perhaps to watch the team in action or at practice? Maybe you have some video online via the Emmanuel website or generally on YouTube?
No you do not have to be an Anglican to be able to ring the bells. There is no bell ringing at the moment due to covid 19 but the normal practice night is Thursdays
Jannerbloke
Devon, UK11,967 contributions
Do you use gluten free communion wafers?
TCLplymouth
Plymouth, UK3 contributions
No, we don't use them on a regular basis but we have used them in the past for individuals when they have requested them. We are more than willing to renew our supplies if we know they will be used. Every blessing.Tim
Valerie S
Plymouth, UK161 contributions
My Son has just got engaged and they would like to get married in this lovely church. Do they have Weddings on weekdays?
TCLplymouth
Plymouth, UK3 contributions
Hi there. Yes we do have weekday weddings. For more information phone Jeannette at the parish office any weekday morning on 260317.

Hettie W
Plymouth, UK127 contributions
The bells are impressive. Are they rung at specific times each week? Is there a regular practice evening? Do the team ring in competitions or a league?
TCLplymouth
Plymouth, UK3 contributions
The bells are rung before the 10.30 and 6.30 Sunday services and on Thursday evenings at 7.30. There is a strong band of ringers, many of a youthful age and newcomers and visitors are always made welcome.

Hilly J
Plymouth, UK2,078 contributions
What became of the spire? The architect's drawing that used to be in the main lobby showed the original plan. Has it been abandoned?
TCLplymouth
Plymouth, UK3 contributions
The spire was never built. The cost of building the tower rose to £3500 when foundations had to go down 12 feet to rest in solid rock. A 4 foot high concrete platform was then made on which to build the tower. Another £1500 was needed for the spire but
Due to the additional cost of the tower the congregation, to the annoyance of churchwarden Parker, were not prepared to raise additional funds

Chas C
Plymouth, UK275 contributions
Why is or was it called 'Emmanuel'?
TCLplymouth
Plymouth, UK3 contributions
In the 1860's the Revel family gave the land for the church on the condition that it was called Emmanuel because their son went to Emmanuel College Cambridge. The current congregation would have into other way. There is no better name for a church than Emmanuel because it means 'God with us'

Mac M
Buckingham148 contributions
Is it 'High' or 'Low'? Are there women clergy? Do you have a mix of services some in modern style and some KJV and the Prayer Book?
TCLplymouth
Plymouth, UK3 contributions
Emmanuel is evangelical. The rector is male but we have had women clergy.Sunday 8.00 traditional communion service. 10.30 common worship.18.30 evening praise. We use NIV rather than KJV. Hope this helps

Hettie W
Plymouth, UK127 contributions
Is the church ever open for visitors or interested folk to take a look inside?
TCLplymouth
Plymouth, UK3 contributions
Hi Hettie. There is a coffee morning on the last Saturday of each month when the church is open. We are alos open at 10.30 and 6.30 on Sundays when you will receive a warm welcome from church members.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emmanuel Church
- Hotels near Emmanuel Church:
- (0.82 mi) Gallery Guesthouse
- (1.11 mi) Alma Lodge Guest House
- (1.53 mi) The Imperial, Plymouth
- (0.32 mi) Top View Apartments
- (1.59 mi) Tudor House
- Restaurants near Emmanuel Church:
- (0.44 mi) The Early Bird
- (0.36 mi) Zephyr Burgers
- (0.30 mi) Rise & Grind
- (0.39 mi) Sage Cafe
- (0.34 mi) The Hyde Park Pub